Shrubs, Vines, & Herbs   Azalea (Belgian Indica)   Azalea (Camellia)   Bonsai   Bougainvillea   Brunfelsia   Butterfly Lily   Citrus Trees   Clematis   Gardinia   Hardenbergia   Heather   Hibiscus   Hydrangeas   Japanese Maples   Living Xmas Tree   Passion Vines   Proteas, Planting   Proteas, Cut Flowers   Stephanotis   Topiaries   Main Care Sheets Page Azalea and Camellia Azaleas and Camellias have long been favored by Southern California gardeners for good reason. Both plants thrive in acidic soil and prefer full to partial shade. Although some species of both plants can tolerate full sun, most Azalea and Camellia species make an excellent selection for shady gardens where reliable color is hard to come by. In addition to providing loads of colorful blooms, Azaleas and Camellias are also attractive foundation shrubs throughout the remainder of the year. Planting:   Both Azaleas and Camellias require a loose, fast-draining soil mixture that provides excellent drainage. For container plantings Roger's Potting Soil will do just fine. When planting Azaleas and Camellias in the garden we recommend Bandini Azalea Mix. Simply dig a hole about twice as wide as the original container and refill with a mixture of 50% Bandini Azalea Mix and 50% existing garden soil. Be sure the crown of both plants are about 1 1/2 to 2 inches above the existing soil line to prevent crown rot and to assure a successful transplant. Azalea Watering:   Azaleas and Camellias both thrive in rich, moist soil conditions. Although Camellias can tolerate a bit less watering once established, both plants will benefit from regular watering as long as drainage is sufficient. An occasional flooding of the soil surrounding these plants will assist in leaching the soil of excess salts that cause foliage burn, an unsightly browning of the leaves. During the blooming season, overhead watering can damage flowers and cause them to rot and fall off. It is better to irrigate from beneath the plants during this time. Feeding:   Azaleas: Feed Azaleas every two months with an acid-type fertilizer, starting from the onset of new spring growth, until late summer. If chlorosis (yellow foliage with green veins) occurs, treat plants with a product containing chelated iron.   Camellias: Feed Camellias every two months with an acid-type fertilizer, immediately following the bloom cycle, until late summer. It is important that you do not feed your camellias while they are in full bloom, as this may cause unopened flower buds to terminate. Camellia Pruning:   Azaleas - Azaleas should be pinched or sheared just prior to the onset of spring growth, or immediately following bloom, although a little shaping throughout the remainder of the year will not harm the plant.   Camellias - Camellias have many different growth habits, depending on variety. In general, to promote bushiness cut most recent growth back to the annual growth scar just following the blooming season. This will cause branching beneath the cut. To promote upright growth, horizontal branches should be cut.