The Bloom-A-Thon Lavender Azalea is known for its extended, abundant flowering. It provides color for much of the growing season. Its ability to rebloom consistently makes it a popular choice for gardeners aiming for sustained visual appeal rather than a fleeting spring display. This guide details how to cultivate and maintain these shrubs.
What Makes Bloom-A-Thon Lavender Azalea Unique
Its reblooming habit sets it apart from many traditional azaleas. It first blooms with large, lavender-purple flowers in early spring, around April. Following this initial display, the plant takes a brief rest before initiating a second, prolonged blooming period that starts in early July and continues through the fall until the first hard frost. This extended flowering can provide color for up to five months, far surpassing the two to six weeks of many other azaleas.
These azaleas grow 3 to 5 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide, with a mounded, upright habit. Its semi-evergreen foliage retains most glossy green leaves year-round, offering continuous garden interest. It is also heat tolerant and disease resistant, making it a robust, low-maintenance option. It is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 9.
Ideal Planting Conditions
Proper planting conditions are key for healthy, vibrant Bloom-A-Thon Lavender Azaleas. These plants thrive in locations that receive partial sun, ideally with morning sun and afternoon shade. While they can tolerate full sun, especially in cooler climates, some afternoon shade is beneficial in hotter regions to prevent stress. They require well-draining, acidic soil rich in organic matter, with a pH of 4.5 to 5.5.
Prepare soil before planting to ensure good drainage and nutrient availability. When planting, dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper than the original soil line of the plant in its container. If your existing soil is heavy clay, consider raised beds to improve drainage, as poor drainage can lead to root rot. After placing the plant, backfill the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball remains at ground level, and water thoroughly to settle the soil. Space plants 3 to 4 feet apart to allow for mature size and air circulation.
Essential Care for Thriving Azaleas
Consistent watering is needed for Bloom-A-Thon Lavender Azaleas, especially during establishment and dry spells. They prefer consistently moist soil, but avoid waterlogging, which causes root issues. Provide about 1 inch of water per week during the growing season, adjusting for rainfall and temperature. Newly planted azaleas may require more frequent watering until their root systems are well-established.
Apply a 2 to 3-inch layer of organic mulch, such as ground hardwood or cypress, around the plant base. Mulch helps retain soil moisture, suppresses weed growth that competes for nutrients, and helps regulate soil temperature. When mulching, leave a small gap of about an inch between the mulch and the plant’s stem to prevent moisture buildup directly against the trunk. Fertilize lightly in spring after the last frost, using a balanced, slow-release fertilizer for acid-loving plants (e.g., Espoma Holly-tone or 10-10-10 NPK). A second, lighter application can be made 6 to 8 weeks later to support continued blooming, but avoid fertilizing after mid-July to allow the plant to prepare for winter.
Pruning for Continuous Blooms
Pruning maximizes the reblooming potential of Bloom-A-Thon Lavender Azaleas. Prune immediately after the first spring bloom fades, in late spring or early summer. This timing encourages new growth, which will produce the flower buds for the subsequent summer and fall rebloom. Pruning too late in the season, particularly after early July, risks removing newly formed flower buds and reducing the next year’s bloom.
For continuous flowering, a light, all-over trim after the spring bloom is sufficient. This involves shaping the plant and deadheading spent flowers to redirect energy into producing more buds. While low-maintenance for pruning, occasionally remove dead or dying limbs for overall plant health and disease prevention. Heavy rejuvenation pruning, if necessary, should also be performed after the spring bloom to allow ample time for recovery and new growth before the next flowering cycle.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Even with proper care, Bloom-A-Thon Lavender Azaleas can have issues. Yellowing leaves (chlorosis) often indicate nutrient deficiency or insufficiently acidic soil. Ensure soil pH is within the ideal acidic range and use appropriate fertilizers to correct this. If leaves wilt despite moist soil, it may signal root rot from poor drainage.
Pests like lace bugs or spider mites can affect azaleas, causing discoloration or stippling on leaves. Lace bugs feed on the underside of leaves, causing yellow spots. Fungal diseases like petal blight can cause flowers to develop wet spots and become slimy, especially in warm, moist conditions. Good air circulation and prompt removal of affected plant material can help manage these issues. Maintaining optimal growing conditions reduces susceptibility to most problems.
Winterizing Your Azalea
Winterizing Bloom-A-Thon Lavender Azaleas is important, especially for those in colder hardiness zones (7-9). Ensure the plant is well-hydrated before the ground freezes, as dry roots are more susceptible to winter damage. Apply a 2 to 3-inch layer of mulch around the root zone in late fall for insulation, protecting shallow roots from extreme temperature fluctuations.
While generally robust, in exposed locations or colder microclimates, additional protection from harsh winter winds or heavy snow may be beneficial. This could involve covering smaller plants with burlap or creating a windbreak. Avoid late-season planting in colder areas to ensure the plant establishes before winter.