The Spider Azalea Shrub - Japanese Flair for the American Garden

Spider azaleas are one of the most fascinating and desirable of azalea shrubs. Their light yet heady fragrance is unique among azaleas, and their elegant, almost feathery blossoms lend an exotic air to any garden. Its narrow, almost needle-like leaves seem like green versions of its lavender or deep-rose colored petals. 

Originally a native of Japan, spider azalea shrubs are rapidly gaining popularity among American gardeners. Especially in the South, where the hot, humid summers mimic its native weather, the spider azalea shrub settles into the landscape easily. 

Like most other azalea shrubs, the spider azalea prefers light afternoon shade during the hot part of the day, especially in the South. The spider azalea shrub also prefers well-drained soil. It would rather be too dry than too wet. Overfertilizing it will result in a bushy plant with lots of healthy-looking leaves, but no blooms. 

To prepare the soil for your spider azalea shrubs, mix coarse sand with some organic material, either leaf mold or finely ground bark mulch. Plant the azalea shrub near larger plants where it will get a little afternoon shade. But be careful not to make it too shady! While some azaleas do like deeper shade, the spider azalea needs a good healthy dose of sun each day in order to bloom. If your soil is extremely poor, you may need to fertilize lightly, but be careful. Spider azalea shrubs grow naturally in poor soils, as long as they have good drainage. 

Spider azalea shrubs are small, as azalea shrubs go, rarely more than three to four feet tall. Companion plants for the spider azalea shrub include low, sun-loving plants such as thrift, especially the white and pink varieties, and tall, spikey flowers like liatris. 

Few plants will give as much punch to a garden for as little attention as the spider azalea. Truly a prince among plants, this azalea shrub is a worthwhile addition to almost any garden. 

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