Garden Tips - General

Broadleaf Evergreen Planting and Care Guide

Azalea, Boxwood, Holly and Yew

LOCATION - Locate Azaleas, Boxwoods, Hollies, and Yews where they receive afternoon shade. Good drainage is essential for proper root development. Constantly wet ground smothers roots and leads to the plants decline and death.

PLANTING - Dig a large hole at least six inches wider than the diameter of the container. Plant so top of root ball is even with the soil surface. Never put fertilizer directly on the roots, as it will burn them. Backfill the hole with a mixture of four parts topsoil to one part compost. Next, form a berm the width of the root ball around the plant to aid with watering.

MULCHING - Mulching is required for Azaleas to perform well! After planting, mulch the entire root spread with two to three inches of mulch to keep soil cooler and retain moisture during the summer. Apply mulch heavily in November when the soil is cold to prevent foliage desiccation (winterburn) and winterkill.


FERTILIZING - Use Fertilome Root Stimulator when planting and then repeat monthly during the first growing season. Fertilize after the first year using Fertilome Evergreen and Azalea Food. Apply as recommended and water in thoroughly.

WATERING - Watering is extremely necessary the first season of two. Apply ½ inch of water every three to four days during a normal summer. Let the hose run slowly at the base of the plant until the water has penetrated to root depth. You must physically check the soil to prevent under or over watering. Azaleas must not be allowed to dry out; the soil must be kept moist at all times during the growing season. Yews are very sensitive to wet soil conditions. They must have good drainage to perform well.

PRUNING - Prune Azaleas, Boxwood, Hollies, and Yews after they have completed their primary growth for the year (usually mid June), to maintain desired size and shape. Do not prune Azaleas in the fall as you will be pruning off the flower buds for the following spring.


SPRAYING - If insect or disease problems are suspected, bring in samples of the injury or pest to the nursery for problem identification and get the recommended treatment. Broadleaf evergreens can benefit from an application of Wilt Pruf in the fall. Check with us for more information.