Why Grow in a Container?
Lack of space is one reason why you might want to grow your azaleas in containers. You can plant several varieties in pots and arrange them on your patio or porch each summer for a dazzling show of color.
Another thing to consider is that by growing them in containers, you can bring your potted evergreen azaleas indoors in the winter if you live in Zone 5 and below. Or move them to a sheltered area where they won’t die of exposure.
Since they are acid-loving plants, you may also choose to grow your azaleas in containers if the soil in your yard is unsuitable and you don’t wish to make amendments that may affect your other plantings.
Choosing the Right Container
Many azaleas, whether deciduous or evergreen, grow to between four and six feet in height and spread.
Dwarf varieties typically reach a mature height and spread of two to three feet. It’s important to consider the mature dimensions of the variety you choose when you select a container.
Since the roots need room to stretch and grow, you will need to choose a pot that’s at least two feet wide and deep with drainage holes in the bottom.
Make sure the container is large and heavy enough that your shrub doesn’t fall over in a strong wind.
I love this 27-inch planter, available from Amazon.
Crescent Garden Brunello Planter
And don’t let the look of it fool you: it’s not terribly heavy at all. It’s made with a high-grade polyethylene, and weighs just nine pounds. You’ll still be able to move it if you need to.
And it’s available in six different colors (parchment is shown above) and also in a larger 31-inch size.
A large terra cotta container works well, too, although it’s heavier to move. You might want to consider investing in a wheeled base to make this task easier if you think you may need to move your plant.
Any plastic, concrete, or wooden container can also work well as long as it has a wide base and adequate drainage holes in the bottom. The bigger the base, the harder it’ll be to tip over.
You can more about the different container materials in this guide.
Preparing Your Container
If you choose a ew container or one that hasn’t been used before, you’re ready to fill it with potting mix. If you have used it before, however, you’ll want to clean and disinfect it first to prevent the spread of disease.
Azaleas require well-draining, acidic soil with a pH of 4.5-5.5, so it’s best to select a potting soil that is specifically made for acid-loving plants.
Coast of Maine Planting Soil
I use Coast of Maine Organic Planting Soil for Acid Loving Plants, available from Amazon.
Fill your container with your chosen potting mix, leaving two inches of space between the soil and the top of the container. This will keep the water from overflowing when you give the plant a drink.
You could fill the pot with a mixture of topsoil, well-rotted compost or manure, and perlite, but it’s recommended to use a fresh potting mix to avoid introducing any pests or disease from your yard or garden into the containers.
If you do choose to use soil from your yard, consider conducting a soil test or using a home pH tester before planting.
Espoma Soil Acidifier
If you need to lower the pH of the soil, you can amend with a soil acidifier, such as this one from Espoma, available via Amazon, according to package instructions.
How to Grow
Azaleas are usually sold as young plants in small pots from a nursery (you can also propagate your own). When you bring yours home, dig a hole as deep and wide as the original pot, remove the plant, and place it inside.
It should be the same depth in the soil of the new container as it was in the old one.
