When is the best time of year to fertilize plants like azaleas, rhododendrons, etc in western NC?

"For rhododendrons planted in less fertile soils, a complete fertilizer designed for acid-loving plants may be applied in late winter or early spring. Be careful to use only the amounts recommended for rhododendrons and azaleas, which normally require less fertilizer than plants such as grasses and vigorous shrubs. In cold climates, nitrogen fertilizer should not be applied after late June as it may promote new lush growth susceptible to winter damage. Recent research indicates that plants reasonably well supplied with nutrients, including nitrogen, are more resistant to low temperatures than those that are starved.





In fertile soils rhododendrons and azaleas can be grown well without receiving further fertilization. However, if plants are mulched with something like fresh sawdust or wood chips, there will be a nitrogen demand caused by the decomposition of these materials, and unless nitrogen is added, the plants are likely to show yellowish foliage and poor growth. In this case a fertilizer such as ammonium sulfate should be added. It is safer to use mulches other than those containing fresh sawdust or wood chips, then you don't have to be concerned with exactly how much extra fertilizer to add, as excess fertilizer can harm your plants by "burning" the roots."

When is the best time of year to fertilize plants like azaleas, rhododendrons, etc in western NC?
I never fertilized when I was in NC, I added some Epsom salts in the fall and watered it in. Magnesium leaches out of the soil because of the torrential rains.
Reply:now

mobility scooter