Can I use multi purpose compost for azaleas?

Category: home and garden landscaping
4.1/5 (1,528 Views . 26 Votes)
Ericaceous compost is lime free for acid-loving (ie lime-hating) plants, such as camellias and rhododendrons, and pot plants, such as gardenias and azaleas. House-plant compost is multipurpose compost in small bags, especially for people who only need a little at a time.



Also asked, can azaleas grow in multi purpose compost?

Rhododendrons and azaleas are ericaceous plants. There are plenty of dwarf rhododendrons and azaleas that will be very happy growing in pots, in good ericaceous compost, which is available from garden centres and compost suppliers. Look out for R.

Secondly, do Azaleas need ericaceous compost? Ericaceous compost is an acidic compost suited to growing lime-hating plants such as rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, calluna and various other acid-loving plants.

Beside this, what compost do I need for azalea?

Growing azaleas in pots Use ericaceous compost, but try to find one with a loamy content and not too much peat, because loam-based composts hold nutrients and have a far better structure, making watering and feeding easier.

Can I use ericaceous compost for tomatoes?

Ericaceous compost. Potatoes don't like lime, it gives them scab, and Tomatoes are a member of the Potato family. So does the same condition apply to Tomatoes. If it does then I take it that there is no lime in a Tomato grow bag.

39 Related Question Answers Found

What is the best compost for rhododendrons?

John Innes ericaceous loam-based potting compost makes a good compost choice, generally providing easier management of watering and feeding. RHS research has found that soil-less potting media, including ericaceous peat-based and peat-free potting composts are suitable for rhododendron growing.

Should you Deadhead azaleas?

Deadheading is the removal of spent blossoms. Whether or not you should deadhead azaleas' flowers depends on the kind of azaleas. If you have deciduous azaleas, which are native to North America, you may deadhead them. The flowers of evergreen azaleas, native to Asia, typically are not deadheaded.

Is compost good for rhododendrons?

To improve soil aeration the best amendment is organic matter, with compost being an excellent choice. Acidity: Rhododendrons and azaleas prefer acidic soils having a pH between 4.5 to 6.0.

How do you keep azaleas blooming?

Water & Mulch
Azaleas in general thrive in cool, moist conditions. Their shallow roots will quickly become damaged in dry, hard soil. Keep the soil moist and follow up on the water by putting a 2- to 5-inch layer of mulch around your plants, which will help the ground retain moisture and also stifle weed growth.

When should I feed my azaleas?


If you do fertilize, it is best to apply it between late fall and early spring when the plants are dormant. Avoid fertilizing after June, to keep from pushing plants into active growth before the winter cold. Before using fertilizer in your landscape, get your soil tested.

Are azaleas hard to take care of?

Yes, it can be true that Azaleas and Rhododendrons (Azaleas are in the Rhododendron family) can be difficult, but I have had some good success which I will share with you in this blog. There are many different types of Azaleas. Some grow in the sun like Exbury, but most prefer a shady location.

What is the difference between deciduous and evergreen azaleas?

Deciduous azaleas typically have large leaves that may be up to 6 inches long. Evergreen azaleas rarely have leaves that are longer than 2 inches. Evergreen azaleas typically keep most of their foliage year round, but deciduous plants lose all of their leaves in the fall, with new growth forming in the spring.

How do you make soil acidic?

To acidify soil, start by scooping up some of the soil in your hands to see if it's loose or compacted. If it's loose, mix some organic material into the soil to acidify it, like compost, manure, or sphagnum peat moss. If the soil is compacted, mix elemental sulfur or iron sulfate into it to make it more acidic.

Is Miracle Grow good for rhododendrons?

Help acid-loving plants like azaleas, camellias, gardenias, hibiscuses, hydrangeas, orchids, rhododendrons, and many others thrive with Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Plant Food. Simply apply every 1-2 weeks with a Miracle-Gro Garden Feeder or any watering can to promote quick results.

What is the best feed for azaleas?


If you don't test the soil, select a general, balanced fertilizer such as 15-15-15. The numbers refer to the proportionate amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in the product. The nutrient your azalea is most likely to need is nitrogen. This also encourages the shrub to grow faster.

How do you make azaleas grow faster?

  1. Provide a Good Foundation. Azaleas set in soil with a pH that's higher than 6.0 grow poorly and are prone to diseases and insect infestations.
  2. Plant Azaleas Correctly. Depending on the cultivar, azaleas tolerate conditions that range from deep shade to full sun.
  3. Water and Mulch Your Plants.
  4. Fertilize and Prune Your Plants.

Do azaleas like coffee grounds?

Coffee grounds are highly acidic, they note, so they should be reserved for acid-loving plants like azaleas and blueberries. And if your soil is already high in nitrogen, the extra boost from coffee grounds could stunt the growth of fruits and flowers.

How do you keep azaleas healthy?

Provide well-drained, humus-rich soil that is slightly acidic (pH 4.5–6). Mulch well. Shallow-rooted, azaleas tend to dry out quickly if not mulched. A mulch of oak leaf mold, pine needles, or aged oak, pine, or hemlock sawdust will keep soil acidic and moist.

How much water do Azaleas need?

Watering Azaleas
Water established plants with about 3/4 to 1 inch of water every 10 to 14 days during dry periods, moistening the soil to a depth of 10 to 12 inches. New plants in sandy soil should be watered two to three times a week in dry weather until they're established.

What do azaleas symbolize?


The Azalea flower is a symbol of femininity and of softness; it is something that you would give a loved one and it is a flower that is found in a lot of beautiful bouquets today. They are beautiful flowers that many different people enjoy for a variety of different reasons.

Can you put azaleas in pots?

Azaleas are ericaceous plants, which means they thrive in acidic soil with a pH between 5.0 and 6.0. Be sure the container has at least one drainage hole, as azaleas are likely to rot in poorly drained soil. Plant the azalea at the same soil depth it was planted in the nursery container.

How fast do azalea bushes grow?

Types. Southern Indian hybrids grow very rapidly. The group of evergreen azaleas known as kurume hybrids are dwarf-sized plants that grow quickly, though not as fast as Southern Indian hybrids, reaching a final height of anywhere from 2 to 6 feet depending on the cultivar.