On Thu, 21 May 2009 18:09:04 +0100, Chris Hogg wrote:

On Thu, 21 May 2009 09:37:44 +0200, bob wrote:

On Wed, 20 May 2009 18:13:53 +0100, Chris Hogg wrote:

Rhodies and azaleas have shallow fibrous roots that can be quite
densely packed. I wouldn't dig closely around their roots. Give it a
thick mulch of leaf mould, pine needles or peat. I wouldn't use
commercial ericaceous compost as it can be rather dense, and burying
the roots might deprive them of air. For feed, I'd water with a
solution either of commercial ericaceous feed, or simply sulphate of
ammonia, one level dessert spoon per gallon.

I'll get hold of one of these liquids.

When should one feed/how often?

They're not liquids but loose crystalline powders, easily soluble in
water. Rhodies and azaleas don't need feeding that frequently; once or
twice between now and say the middle of July, then a feed with similar
strength sulphate of potash to promote bud formation for next year's
flowers.

many thanks - I'll follow your advice.