Keisler's Nursery

09/28/2026

"Maintaining Your Azaleas...

Azaleas are not high-maintenance plants. Attention to pruning, watering and a winter blanket of mulch are all that’s required. Follow these easy maintenance tips to keep your azaleas healthy:

* Find a location with the right amount of sunlight.

* Amend the soil with organic matter.

* Water until the plants are established and when needed.

* Shape them with pruning shears.

With the proper preparation, you can grow and care for your own azalea shrubs. Make sure you choose the right type, have the right location and make sure the soil is exactly what your plants need to thrive. Ready to plant your azaleas? Get the tools, plants and soil and more.

09/28/2026

"Pruning Tips For Your Azaleas...

Azaleas need pruning to achieve a lush spreading habit. These shrubs bloom on last year's growth. Pruning is usually done after the growing season. If there are dead branches or lanky suckers, use loppers to trim them. The best time to prune is early to mid-June, before buds set for next spring.

09/28/2026

"Choosing The Correct Soil For Your Azaleas...

Azaleas do best in well-drained, acidic soil. Add organic matter and mulch to the soil to provide them with the proper nutrients. They thrive in acidic soil with a pH level of 5.0 to 5.5. Before planting azaleas, use a soil tester to check your soil’s pH level. Add amendments according to the recommendations. If there are low amounts of nitrogen in the soil, apply fertilizer. A lack of nutrients can cause small greenish-yellow leaves, leaf drop or stunted growth.

09/28/2026

"Picking The Right Shrubs For Your Landscape...

It’s best to shop for azaleas when they’re in bloom, so you can see what you’re buying. Choose two or three complementary colors of similar azaleas. This will make sure the shades look good together. Check plant tags to see how tall the mature shrubs will be. Plant larger shrubs in the back and small shrubs in the front. Check the bloom time frame. Make sure shrubs that are planted together bloom in sync.

09/28/2026

"When To Plant Azaleas...

Azaleas, like most shrubs and trees, can be planted in spring or fall. Fall is preferred because the dormant season gives roots time to grow. Summertime heat and drought can cause stress. If you plant azaleas in the spring, be sure to mulch well and water throughout the summer. This helps the plant get established."

09/28/2026

"Where To Plant Azaleas...

Azaleas thrive in filtered sunlight. They do best in spots like the edge of woods near stands of pines. Decomposing organic matter like pine straw gives their shallow root system the acid it needs to perform best. Different types of azaleas can handle more sun than others. Check the plant tag when buying to learn what’s best for each variety."

09/28/2026

"Types of Azaleas...

There are over 8,000 different types of azalea plants. They are a subspecies of the rhododendron family. They vary in color, size, habits and bloom times. These are some of the most popular azaleas:

*Autumn bonfire azaleas produce single and semi-double red petals. They bloom from spring to the end of fall.

*George Taber azaleas produce orchid-like bubblegum pink blooms. They can grow up to eight feet tall and six feet wide.

*Florida flame azaleas produce a honeysuckle fragrance and golden blooms. They bloom in early to mid spring and attract pollinators.

*Golden lights produce yellow-golden or butter-yellow funnel-shaped blooms. They bloom from early to late spring."

09/28/2026

"The American Camelias Society Advises...

Planting Camellias
Camellias are generally planted in the late fall through the early spring, although they may be set out any month of the year if properly cared for.

Choose a Site
Choose a planting site with well-drained soil. Do not plant where shade trees with shallow root systems will compete with camellias for nutrients and water. Plants in the sun may suffer scald on the leaves or leaves may appear yellow rather than deep green. Plants of Camellia sasanqua generally do better in the sun than those of C. japonica.

Soil Preparation
Camellias will grow in most well-drained slightly acid soil. A soil pH (degree of acidity or alkalinity) of 6.0 - 6.5 is considered best for camellias. However, they will tolerate a lower pH.

A soil test made before planting will tell you what is needed to bring the soil to the desired pH and fertility level. Practically all soils will benefit from the addition of organic matter when planting. Two to four inches of peat moss, leaf mold, ground aged bark, sawdust or cow manure worked into the soil improves both the drainage and fertility of the soil.

Planting
Camellias are generally planted in the late fall through the early spring, although they may be set out any month of the year if properly cared for. Adequate moisture is a necessity until the roots become well established in the soil. The newly developed roots will then provide enough moisture for the plant to start growth when spring arrives.

Allow a minimum of five feet between plants, and preferably more. When planting a hedge, a distance of three feet between plants is recommended.

The following steps should be followed when planting a camellia.

Dig a hole at least two feet wider than the root ball.
Leave soil in the center of the hole undisturbed to prevent settling.
Place the rootball on a the column of soil in the center of the hole.
The top of ball should be slightly above soil level.
When planting a container-grown plant, wash away the soil from the root ball with a water hose and rough up the root ball, if tight, to allow better pe*******on into the soil.

Fill the hole around the root ball with a mixture of topsoil and organic matter.

Build a berm of soil around the plant three feet in diameter to prevent water from running off.

Mulch with straw or other organic matter around the plant.
Water well after planting and soak once a week during dry weather.

The State Extension Service no longer recommends the addition of organic matter to the backfill soil. Research has shown that this does not improve plant growth. They now recommend digging a wide hole and refilling with the removed soil."

09/28/2026