What Plant Other Than Azalea Does Well With Kanuma Soil And/or Alfalfa Meal Fertilizer?

Question

My dad lives in South Carolina and he sent me an azalea bonsai for my birthday with hopes that it would bloom beautiful flowers. The thing is, I live in a very dry place, and the azalea can’t get the humidity it would prefer. I decided that, since it was a gift, I should give it the best shot by getting it the best soil and fertilizer. I did research and planted it in a mix of Kanuma and some cactus soil. I bought alfalfa meal fertilizer for when it needed it, too. I would put it out in the sun every morning and mist it off around 3 times a day, but I had a feeling it wouldn’t last… By now I’ve pretty much given up on the plant. Poor thing just wasn’t built for this kind of climate. But the Kanuma was expensive so I don’t want it to go to waste, and the alfalfa meal is still unopened. I tried to do some research on what other plants would appreciate the soil/fertilizer that I had, and I know that gardenia and camelia do well with it — but they need a lot of humidity too, and I just can’t offer that. So, my question is what plant or plants would like the soil and/or fertilizer and DOESN’T need high humidity? Just so you know, I am in zone 5B / 6A. Thank you!

Answer 1

Actually, the azalea will do quite well in your area, as long as you have chosen a cold hardy cultivar! The problem is that they are a woodland plant, and cannot tolerate full sun.

If this is s standard azalea, then you will need to keep it in container and bring it in during the winter.

Otherwise, you do have other options for your area.

Here are some articles that will help:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/azalea/azaleas-noteworthy-shrubs-for-any-garden.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/acid-loving-plants.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-5/zone-5-gardening.htm