Additional water could promote the conditions for root rot. One of the benefits of potted plants is that you can move them around it's not working out! For many, this will mean frequently checking the container and adding water as necessary. When choosing your container, make sure there is enough room for the root ball. This may be two or three times per week during the hottest time of year. Then look no further! However they can be pruned after flowering to help maintain a desirable, mound shape. The way to achieve this is with soil that has a high organic content. With well prepared potting soil, azalea may only require watering once per week during the growing season. However in arid climates (such as California or Southern Europe) with intense sunshine the leaves of the azalea are susceptible to sun burn, flowers tend to wilt and the risk of drought is substantially increased. Azaleas do not need direct sunlight and are often used as ground cover around trees. In these climates about four hours of morning sun with protection form the midday sun is ideal. Then wait until the next year to fertilize again. Azaleas require potting soil that has the following characteristics: Azaleas require a balance of soil that retains moisture effectively but also has a structure that allows excess water to drain away so that the soil does not become boggy as this would encourage root rot. Grow azaleas in pots. Azaleas have shallow roots so they are often the first plants in the garden to show signs of drought. Water every other day to make sure all the soil is moist for the first two weeks after planting. Smaller species of azaleas such as the alpine azaleas most of the time do not need any pruning and often maintain a desirable mound shape that displays the flowers relatively evenly. Use a knife to make 2-inch deep vertical cuts around the root ball (3-6 cuts only). They also contribute to maintaining the optimal acidic soil pH which helps to ensure nutrient uptake. If your pot is outdoors then it is a good idea to position the pot or container on ‘feet’ which elevate the pot slightly off the ground. Fertilizer is required in the Spring as pots have a limited capacity for nutrients. And how can you maintain it correctly so that it will bloom for years to come? The best kind of azalea to plant in a pot is the Kurume Hybrid. If the soil has been prepared correctly water the azalea then water azaleas once per week during the growing season ensuring the soil is moist but not saturated. In cooler temperate climates with more rainfall and overcast days (such as Scotland or Washington in the USA) an azalea can take full sun. The plants should never be watered during periods of freezing weather. This will help to avoid compacted soil slowing down the drainage. The great thing about growing azaleas in pots is that you can move the azalea around until you have found the optimal balance of sun and shade. Alternatively you can bring the pot indoors a place it by a window in your garage or in the house during the most severe weather. Caring for azaleas in pots outdoors quick guide: Keep reading to learn all the best practices to ensure you azaleas flowers beautifully every year and lives for over 100 years…. There are several different types of azalea, which are often confused with Rhododendron plants. There are a few options to protect potted azalea roots from freezing temperatures: Planting your azalea in a pot that is 16 inches in diameter is a good idea in colder climates as larger pots have more soil capacity to help insulate the roots. Cease watering in the late Fall and start watering again in the early Spring. As roots are the part of the plant that is at greatest risk, digging a hole in your garden soil for the pot and filling any gaps with soil or straw is a good way to keep the roots insulated from the cold. But, perhaps you want them in your home. Potted azaleas have shallow roots that are vulnerable to the cold during Winter. The reason for this is that azaleas cannot survive in water-logged soil. You can even bring the plants inside during the winter months. The granules are easy to apply and contain the right balance of nutrients that azaleas require therefore there is no risk of over fertilizing in the plant which can damage the roots. Keep your eyes open though, if the petals or leaves are looking a little dry, you can always give it some extra water. If possible, use distilled water or rainwater to water your plant—hard water like that from a tap contains chlorine and chloramine that the plant does not react well with. Azaleas are commonly planted outside during the spring and fall. From a maintenance stand point, the great news is azaleas do not require regular pruning in the same way plants such as roses or lavenders do every year so its one less task in the garden. Soil in pots tends to heat up quickly in the sun which increases soil evaporation and the chance of drought. Whilst azaleas don’t require annual pruning they are tolerant to being cut back so you do not have to be overly cautious. Protect your plant during the winter, if needed, or bring it indoors until spring. Azalea requires the soil to be consistently moist. Specifically how often to water potted azaleas varies according to climate, weather and maturity of the plant so I have made a table to summarise how to often water you potted azalea according to the conditions: To learn more read my article on how much and how often to water azaleas. Then gently pull the roots outward. https://plantaddicts.com/blog/4-tips-for-growing-azaleas-in-pots Sometimes when pots are placed on patios, water drain out the bottom of the pot and pool on a patio slab which in turn can make the soil too boggy for azaleas. Water as frequently as required to maintain moist compost. Try to find a happy medium. Azaleas are hardy and tolerate cold, but container plants are more exposed. The goal is to find an area with enough protection from the wind, frost and midday sun, without shading the azalea to the extent that flowering could be negatively affected. Water the azalea generously straight after planted or transferred to another pot with enough water so that it trickles out of the base of the pot. The azalea plant is not only easy to look after but can add gorgeous splashes of color to your garden, even on those dull winter days. This is particularly true of azaleas as they are shallow rooted and actually thrive when somewhat pot bound. I have been a qualified professional landscape gardener for over 10 years and I'm here to share all my experience with you on gardener report! Azaleas are one of the most beautiful shrubs of all garden plants and grow, flower and thrive in pots for over 100 years. Pruning azaleas (or rhododendrons) is the same whether they are in pots or in a garden boarder. You can prune at anytime of year but the best time is after flowering. Ideally azaleas should be in partial shade but if they are in full sun, then the require frequent watering to keep the soil moist so they don’t suffer from drought. General Care for a Potted Azalea Plant Water azalea in planters whenever the top of the soil feels dry to the touch. Do not apply fertilizer in late Summer as this may encourage foliage growth at the expense of flowers and can stimulate new growth that is more vulnerable to upcoming Winter frost. In many areas of Italy the soil is highly calcareous, or there is a lot of limestone in the water of the aqueduct, for this reason, for lovers of acidophilic plants, the best advice is to cultivate these plants in pots; in particular the azaleas are well suited to cultivation in pots, as there are many species and varieties of small size, which therefore do not require huge and difficult to manage … Test the soil for moisture in the first few inches if you are unsure.