I have found what look like miniature (?) azaleas planted in strange places in the garden of our new home. They've all been neglected and one is close to dying. When can I replant them -- do I have to wait until after they flower?
A photo would help, as would a soil test. The University of Georgia offers soil tests, and they can help you improve your soil either in your current site or in the site where you want to move these guys.
They sound like Gumpo Azaleas, bloom in May, but who knows this year. You can dig them up now. Just amend the soil 50/50 with Natures Helper and the good old existing Georgia clay. Azaleas like well draining, organic soil, You couls also use 1/3 Nature's Helper, 1/3 existing soil, 1/3 mushroom compost. It is also a good idea to add a root stimulater like Upstart to help the roots regain establishment. I don't like the generic Nature's Helper at Lowes. Water well. Later on you can
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add Miracid to help acidify the soil a few times throughout the year.
And make sure to move them to a place where they will be happier. That means moist but well-drained soil, acidic soil and filtered shade, or morning sun and afternoon shade. I've moved plenty of near-dead plants that bounced back. Good luck!
Yeah, I don't think you can dig up anything right now in Fort Collins, CO. First of all, you'd have to dig through a few inches of snow, then make your way through frozen soil
Here are pictures. You can see it next to the nandinas by our mailbox, but we have a few more of them in random places in the garden. Are these miniature azaleas?
(Also, you can see the Georgia red clay in the photo. That's a result of our sewer line having been replaced... there was no regard for the soil when they filled it back in. Amending that is another project for us to tackle.)
Teresa -- yes, it is a vine. I found it buried in the pinestraw right there so I detangled it and wrapped it around the post. No idea what it is, though. I've found it in other parts of the garden as well. Wondering if I'll see it flower this spring or summer.
Douglas -- thanks for the link. Maybe I'll bring a sprig to the nursery and see if they can ID it.
I just went to the nursery and found out they are gardenias! So pleased as that's' one of my favorite fragrances. I was told I can replant them any time.
I AGREE WITH DOUGLAS ..........NEVER WOULD HAVE GUESSED GARDENIAS , WHICH I HAVE AND THE LEAVES DON'T LOOK ANYTHING LIKE THIS PHOTO . I HAVE SEVERAL MRS . G.G. GERBING [WHITE] SOUTHERN INDICA AZALEAS THAT HAVE LEAVES SIMILIAR TO THE PHOTO . IF , BY CHANCE , THEY ARE INDICA AZALEAS .....HAVE PLENTY OF SPACE BETWEN THEM ARE OTHER PLANTS . I PLANTED MINE 4' APART AND THEY HAVE GROWN TOGETHER !
(Also, you can see the Georgia red clay in the photo. That's a result of our sewer line having been replaced... there was no regard for the soil when they filled it back in. Amending that is another project for us to tackle.)
http://www.ag.auburn.edu/hort/landscape/dbpa...
If it's any kind of azalea, they're definitely in too much sun.
Douglas -- thanks for the link. Maybe I'll bring a sprig to the nursery and see if they can ID it.