Native Azaleas are low maintenance shrubs that require little attention once they are established.

Soil - Native azaleas prefer an acid (4.5 to 5.5), well-drained, moist but not wet, soil rich in organic matter, such as natural leaf mold, mushroom compost, composted cowe manure, or your own homemade compost. All day dappled shade or morning sun with afternoon shade is preferable. As the plant is establishing itself during the first year after planting make sure to provide water during times of summer drought.

Fertilizer - Fertilize plants just after they've bloomed with an azalea and camellia type fertilizer or an organic plant food. Mulching with a two-inch layer of aged shredded wood mulch or fresh-pine straw will help retain moisture during the warm season and will also decompose into rich organic matter that will feed the plant.

Pruning - Native azaleas do not rquire pruning however respond well to it. If you need to shape the plant up a little trim or prune right after they are finished blooming. Native Azaleas need a moist, but not wet, soil rich in organic matter ( leaf mold, rotted sawdust, compost or peat moss are examples).A shifting sun and shade situation as under pines is ideal for their light requirements.ulch to conserve moisture with any organic material such as peanut hulls, pine bark or straw, etc.

Problems - Native Azaleas are generally free of insect and disease problems.