Can azaleas grow in clay? Which soil is best for azaleas?

  Rhododendron, known by their scientific name, and azaleas, their commonly known name, are beautiful flowering plantlets that can be placed and grown both indoors and outdoors. In view of the fact of their high maintenance, most sources are considering this beautiful flowering plantlet as being one for advanced plant carers. If not cared for properly, this plantlet will not survive a second growing season.

  In this article, we will briefly discuss the possibility of azalea plantlets growing in clay soils alongside their requirements to develop properly. Therefore, without any further ado, can azaleas grow in clay?

So, can azaleas grow in clay?

  To answer the question early in the article, no. Azaleas cannot grow in clay soil, planting your azaleas in clay soils will probably heavily reduce their lifespan. In a few other pieces written, we discussed the azalea plantlet and its requirements to survive and found out that this gorgeous flowering plant demands ericaceous compost.

  Ericaceous compost is soil that on the scale of pH, can be found in the lower part, low pH, which is acidic. This type of acidic soil is perfectly fitted for lime-hating plantlets, which are plants that love acidic soils and hate alkaline soils. Azaleas are one of the plants that will not grow properly in alkaline soil, they need to grow in ericaceous compost. The highest azaleas can handle is neutral soil, but even so, it is not recommended to plant your azaleas in neutral pH.

  When it comes to clay soil, most clays will always be found on the higher scale of pH, alkaline soils. Unlike the sandy ones that are usually on the lower side of the scale, acidic soils. While clay soils might be found suitable for some plant types, such as switchgrass and asters, it is way too alkaline for azaleas to grow in.

  Instead, you should plant your azaleas in a humus-rich, acidic, and well-drained mixture of soil. You can also add organic matter into the soil to create air pockets. The best choice for creating air pockets would be leaf mold, which will not only create air pockets but will also lower the pH of the soil, making it more acidic for the azalea. Ericaceous compost from garden centers can be also added to further increase the acidity.