Azaleas in New Zealand – Growing, Care, and Varieties

Azalea Care

Caring for Azaleas is about making sure the plants are thriving. Our plant care articles provide the necessary details to give you the greatest chance of success. Afterall, there is nothing worse than investing in the plants, putting the effort into planting them, and then having them fail. Therefore, follow our advice and give yourself the best chance of success.

How To Care For Azaleas

Caring for Azaleas is all about knowing what to do in each season. Even though they are low maintenance plants, they will benefit from the attention you provide.

Winter is the perfect time for mulching around your plants. Organic matter such as compost or sheep pellets should be spread liberally around the plants and then overlaid with a mulch. The Plant Company has two very good options for mulch. The first is coco fibre matting which is made from the husks of coconuts. It breaks down to become part of the soil within two years. The second is the black plastic matting which will last 20 years or more. In both instances The Plant Company recommend stones, bark chip, or other similar products be spread over top of the mulch for aesthetic purposes. The Plant Company do not recommend adding fertiliser during winter as this is better applied in spring so less is wasted. However, adding organic matter is quite okay.

Spring is the perfect time for fertilising the plants as they start to bounce into life and flower buds begin to open. The Plant Company has fertilisers which have been specially blended for different plants and in this instance, our fertiliser for acid loving plants will give them the correct boost and keep them fed for 12-months. A suitable alternative is organic fertiliser which will also keep them well fed but it will require a secondary application in autumn.

Summer is when the plants need regular watering, and this should be undertaken daily on the hottest days. Plants that are establishing need particular attention as their root system will not have penetrated deep enough to secure consistent moisture yet. Summer is also the season when varieties that have finished flowering should be trimmed if this is required. Please refer to our section on pruning and trimming for details on how to do this correctly.

Caring for Azaleas in autumn is all about finishing any trimming and keeping the plants healthy. Foliar feeding using a liquid fertiliser can be undertaken during spring, summer, and autumn if you have time, but this is not essential if solid fertiliser and/or good amounts of organic matter have already been applied. If you think the plants need an extra boost or have some yellowing, however, a liquid fertiliser won’t hurt.

Check plants for any pest or disease issues during spring, summer, and autumn. If anything is looking unusual at any time of year, refer to our section on dealing with issues for a solution.

How To Treat Lichen On Azaleas

Lichen itself isn't usually harmful to Azaleas but is more of a cosmetic issue. There are a couple of ways to deal with this lichen.

• Physical Removal: If the lichen growth is mild, you can try removing it physically. Wear gloves and gently rub the lichen off with your hands or a soft brush. Be careful not to damage the bark on the Azalea.
• Lime Sulphur: You can apply Lime Sulphur to dormant plants during winter. It will damage leaves, so take a cautious approach when using this product. Using a paint brush and painting it onto the lichen is a viable option.

Is Epsom Salt Good For Azaleas?

Epsom salt is fine for Azaleas. It contains magnesium and sulphur which are two nutrients required by Azaleas in small amounts. If your azalea plant has a magnesium deficiency, it is a great remedy as a foliar spray only. However, avoid over-doing the dose as a toxicity can occur easily.

Should I Cut Off Dead Azalea Flowers?

Aged flowers can make Azalea plants look unsightly at times, particularly for the varieties that produce larger flowers. It really is a matter of choice as to whether you remove the spent flowers or not as it won’t have any real impact on the plant either way. The Plant Company does, however, recommend that spent flowers are removed on Azaleas maintained in containers to improve their aesthetics.

Azalea Diseases, Problems, and Solutions

Azaleas do have disease issues from time to time. Therefore, it is important to understand the underlying issue(s) and have the remedies to fix the problem. The Plant Company have produced this series of articles to help you in the quest for answers to address common Azalea problems and diseases.

Azalea Diseases In NZ

The most common Azalea disease in New Zealand is Azalea petal blight. This fungal disease thrives during cool, wet weather. It presents as brown spots on the flowers, which then enlarge and merge to make them turn mushy and stick to the foliage. To prevent this, spray a copper fungicide as soon as flower buds are visible and continue spraying until after flowering. The frequency is generally fortnightly but can be extended if the weather if warm and dry.

If your azalea plant has a white powdery growth on the leaves, this could be powdery mildew. This is usually during warm and dry weather. You can control this issue by wetting the leaves or with a fungicide that controls powdery mildew. If you leave the mildew to spread it will cause the leaves to yellow and they may fall.

Azalea Pests In NZ

The most common pest of Azaleas is aphids. This sap-sucking insect damages the leaves, causing a yellow or bronze-coloured mottling. With severe infestations, the leaves and flower buds become distorted. Aphids are easily controlled with a general insecticide.

Azaleas with speckled leaves or that appear to be somewhat bleached probably have thrips. Look on the underside of the leaves and you’ll find the bugs themselves and small, dark lumps called "frass". Thrips are easily controlled with a general insecticide for thrips and with good coverage. Covering the underside of the leaf will also help with control. A repeat application 1-2 weeks later is recommended to catch any eggs that have hatched or those missed in the first spray.

Why Are The Leaves On My Azalea Turning Yellow?

Yellow leaves on an Azalea plant can be due to a few things:

• Overwatering: Azaleas love a moist soil, but they don't like to be constantly wet. Excess water can suffocate the roots and prevent them from taking up nutrients, leading to yellowing leaves.
• Underwatering: Underwatering can also cause yellowing leaves. They need consistent moisture, especially during hot weather.
• Insufficient Light: Azaleas are sun-loving plants and require at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. If your Azalea isn't getting enough light, its leaves may start to yellow.
• Sudden Light Changes: If your Azalea has recently been moved from a shady location to a brightly lit spot, it might experience some stress and yellowing leaves as it adjusts. Introduce it to increased sunlight gradually.
• Lack of nutrients: Over time, the soil can become depleted of nutrients needed for healthy growth. If your hibiscus isn't getting the nutrients it needs, it might show signs like yellowing leaves. Leaves turning yellow from the bottom up often indicate a nutrient deficiency and you should consider using shrub fertiliser to correct the issue.
• Temperature Stress: Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can stress your azalea and cause yellowing leaves. Ideally, they prefer warm temperatures between 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit (18-29 degrees Celsius).
• The final reason is that you may have a deciduous azalea and leaf yellowing in autumn is normal.

Why Is My Azalea Wilting?

The two most common causes of an Azalea wilting are either not enough water or through over-watering. With over-watering, the wilting is due to root rot disease problem, which is caused by the fungi, Phytophthora. Phytophthora attacks the roots and causes the plant to eventually die. The tell-tale symptoms are yellowing of the leaves and wilting. This is all resulting from the root system being progressively weakened by the pathogen. Gardeners will often mistakenly think the plant needs more water. Unfortunately, adding water only accelerates the problem prolonged wetness was generally the cause in the first place. The best solution is to reduce watering. There is a 50% chance the plant will recover.

Azalea Fertiliser

Providing the best fertiliser for Azalea plants is important to ensure they thrive. The correct fertiliser depends on whether the plant is grown in a pot or in soil, and getting this wrong can be disastrous for your plants. Our articles provide the best advice about fertilising Azaleas so you can achieve the amazing results you are after.

What Is The Best Fertiliser For Azaleas Grown In A Pot?

Azaleas grown in containers require different fertiliser to those grown outdoors in soil. In this instance the correct fertilisers to use are either the container plant fertiliser or fertiliser tablets. Each of these will provide safe, sustained, and complete nutrition to the plant for the next 12-months. Using other types of fertiliser can be detrimental to the plant and may result in plant death.

Foliar feeding using a liquid fertiliser can be undertaken if you have time but this is not essential if container plant fertiliser or fertiliser tablets have been used. If you think the plants need an extra boost or have some yellowing, however, a liquid fertiliser application won’t hurt. A great benefit of foliar feeding is that it helps keep the leaves strong and encourages more flower buds to form as the nutrition is right where the plant needs it.

What Is The Best Fertiliser For Azaleas?

Azaleas are showy plants that require feeding to keep them flowering and looking amazing. A lot of articles have all sorts of advice on this subject which often requires multiple applications, so you use more of their fertiliser. The Plant Company prefers to take a simpler and more environmentally responsible approach. The Plant Company’s fertiliser for acid loving plants has been specifically blended and developed to give plants an initial boost and then sustained nutrition for 12 months. This fertiliser ensures that nutrients remain in the soil around the plant rather than being lost through the soil profile to where the plant cannot reach it. This also applies to plants grown on sandy soils.

The Plant Company recommends that fertiliser for acid loving plants is applied to the soil surface in spring just as the plants start their new growth. The Plant Company also advise that no fertiliser is placed in the hole at planting, but rather spread around the soil surface so it can wash through to the roots as it releases. Do not use any lime around Azalea plants as this can cause plant damage and lead to the slow death of the plant.

Foliar feeding using a liquid fertiliser can be undertaken if you have time but this is not essential if fertiliser for acid loving plants has been applied. If you think the plants need an extra boost or have some yellowing, however, a liquid fertiliser application won’t hurt. A great benefit of foliar feeding is that it helps keep the leaves strong and encourages more flower buds to form as the nutrition is right where the plant needs it.

What Is The Best Organic Fertiliser For Azaleas?

Azaleas are showy plants that require feeding to keep them flowering and looking amazing. A lot of articles have all sorts of advice on this subject which often requires multiple applications so you use more of their fertiliser. The Plant Company prefers to take a simpler and more environmentally responsible approach. A suitable organic option is The Plant Company’s organic fertiliser which is applied in spring and again in autumn and will keep them well fed. You can safely apply generous amounts of this fertiliser to plants without risk of injuring the plants. More details about this organic fertiliser are provided with the product.

What Is The Optimum Soil pH For Azaleas?

The soil pH refers to how acid of alkaline the soil is. Azaleas prefer a soil pH within the range of 5 to 6.5 which means they like an acidic soil. As the pH of the soil moves away from this optimum range, the nutrients the plant is taking up (or not taking up) through the roots changes. If the shift in pH is too far, this can result in deficiencies of some nutrients and toxic levels of others. In either case this can cause the plant to become sick or even die a slow death.

The best way to know whether the pH is correct for your plant is to do a test. The Plant Company has pH test kits available that are easy to use and only take a few minutes to get a result. Preferably this test should be completed before planting so any pH issues can be corrected without risking the plant. A pH less 5 should have a sparing amounts of dolomite lime applied. A pH above 6.5 should have small amounts of soil acidifying fertiliser along with fertiliser for acid loving plants applied. In both instances the fertiliser should be thoroughly mixed into the soil before planting. A retest of the soil pH should be undertaken after four weeks, and small adjustments made again. If the pH is in the optimum range, just use fertiliser for acid loving plants only.

When To Feed Azaleas

The best time to feed azaleas is in early spring, just before new growth emerges. Use fertiliser for acid loving plants and apply this to the soil around the plant. Avoid fertiliser applications from mid-autumn and until late winter as the plants are largely dormant and the fertiliser can be lost through the soil and not used by the plant.

Azalea General Information

This series of articles answers many of the frequently asked questions about Azaleas, such as how fast they grow, their hardiness, and more!

Are Azaleas Fast Growing?

Azaleas are generally not considered to be fast-growing plants. They typically grow about 15-20 cm per year, though some varieties of azaleas, such as the Encore azalea, can grow about 30 cm per year. The rate at which an azalea grows depends on the variety, the climate, the soil conditions, and the care the plant receives. In warmer climates they will grow faster, as will those that are watered and fed regularly.

Are Azaleas Good Luck?

While Azaleas don't have universally recognised symbolism for good luck, in some cultures, they do carry associations with positive connotations that could be linked to good luck. For instance, in Asian cultures Azaleas can symbolize abundance and a fondness for home. Regardless, the vibrant and long-lasting flowers bring cheer and can be seen as inviting good luck or positive energy.

Are Azaleas Toxic To Dogs?

Azaleas are known to be toxic to dogs. All parts of the azalea plant, including the leaves, flowers, nectar, and pollen, are poisonous to dogs. Ingesting even small amounts of azalea can cause serious illness or death. While the plants are toxic, it would be highly unusual for an adult dog to chew on plants.

Do Azaleas Bloom In Summer?

Most azaleas won't bloom through all of summer, but there are exceptions. However, Encore Azaleas, have been specifically bred to rebloom. They will typically flower in spring, then again in midsummer to early autumn. Some varieties might flower into early summer depending on the climate and weather.

Do Azaleas Lose Their Leaves In The Winter?

Most azaleas are evergreen, however, there are some deciduous varieties. Some popular evergreen azalea varieties include:

• Kurume azaleas
• Satsuki azaleas
• Indica azaleas

Deciduous azaleas are native to cooler climates and include:

• Mollis azaleas
• Rhododendron schlippenbachii
• Rhododendron vaseyi

The Plant Company has detailed information with each of the varieties so you can be sure of whether you are buying an evergreen or deciduous variety.

What Do Azalea Flowers Symbolize?

The symbolism of Azaleas varies depending on the culture and even the colour of the flower itself. Some of the common meanings associated with Azalea flowers include:

• In Victorian flower language, Azaleas symbolized temperance, likely due to their delicate nature. They were sometimes carried by people who supported the moderation of alcohol consumption.
• Azalea flowers can also represent passion, particularly new or fragile love. This symbolism stems from the flower's delicate beauty and the possibility of the flowers falling off easily.
• The delicate features of Azaleas often lead them to be associated with femininity, grace, and elegance.
• In some cultures, Azaleas symbolize taking care of oneself and loved ones.
• In Asian cultures, Azaleas represent a fondness for home or a yearning to return to familiar surroundings.
• Azaleas with profuse flowering can signify wealth and beauty.

Colour Specific Symbolism:

• Red Azaleas: Romantic passion
• Pink Azaleas: Can represent tenderness, romance, or femininity depending on the shade.
• White Azaleas: Purity, innocence, and sometimes temperance.
• Purple Azaleas: Royalty and nobility
• Yellow Azaleas: Friendship and joy

The next time you see an Azalea, you may consider the flower's colour and cultural context to understand the deeper meaning it might hold.

What Is The Difference Between An Azalea And A Rhododendron?

Azaleas and Rhododendrons are closely related flowering shrubs, but there are some key differences between them:

Classification:

• Azaleas: Azaleas are actually a subgroup within the Rhododendron genus. This means all azaleas are technically rhododendrons, but not all rhododendrons are azaleas.

Foliage:

• Azaleas generally have smaller, thinner leaves than Rhododendrons.
• Rhododendrons are always evergreen, whereas azaleas can be either evergreen or deciduous.
• The leaves on Rhododendrons tend to be glossier than Azaleas and have a leather-like appearance.

Flower Structure and Size:

• Azaleas usually have smaller flowers with five stamens (male part of the flower) and a funnel or trumpet shape.
• Rhododendrons often have larger flowers with ten or more stamens and a bell-shaped form. Flowers may also be clustered together in trusses.

Growth Habit:

• Azaleas tend to be smaller shrubs with a bushier growth pattern.
• Rhododendrons can grow into larger shrubs or even small trees, with a wider variety of growth habits.

When Do Azalea Bushes Bloom?

Azaleas typically produce flowers in spring, and this can start from late winter and continue to early summer. The exact bloom time can vary depending on the variety and climate. There are many different varieties of azaleas, each with their own bloom time. In warmer climates, Azaleas will flower earlier.

Azalea Propagation

Propagating Azaleas is a relatively straightforward process when you have the right advice. They are easily rooted, and our articles give you the best chance of doing this successfully and efficiently.

How Do You Grow Azaleas From Cuttings?

Azaleas are easily propagated from stem cuttings. Semi-hardwood cuttings are usually taken from autumn until mid-spring. A stem about 8-10 cm long is trimmed into a cutting using secateurs with 2-3 leaves at the top and just below a node. A nick is taken off the base of the cutting to expose more tissue. The cutting is dipped in rooting hormone and then inserted into propagation growing media. The tray of cuttings is placed under mist with bottom heat also applied. The cuttings will have taken root inside of 4-6 weeks as a general rule. The Plant Company will sometime apply a copper fungicide to preserve the health of the cuttings during the process.

How To Root Azaleas Cuttings In Water

Azaleas do not root well in water and are more likely to rot. There might be the odd success, but The Plant Company suggests don’t waste your time. You are far better off to take stem cuttings and root them under mist with bottom heat.

Azalea Pruning And Trimming

The Plant Company have produced this series of articles to provide advice for trimming Azaleas so you can manicure your plants with confidence and success.

Can Azaleas Be Cut Back To The Ground?

Azaleas can be cut back quite drastically, but it's best not to cut them all the way to the ground and not to do this on older plants. If you cannot see green buds or new shoots below where you are cutting, it can be a hit and miss exercise as to whether the plant will regrow again or not. For any severe pruning, this should be undertaken during summer when the plant is actively growing and this gives the greatest chance of it sprouting new buds.

How to Prune Azaleas

Azaleas are lightly trimmed rather than pruned per se. The trimming is about shaping the plants and keeping them to a desired size. When The Plant Company trims Azaleas, we start by shaping the plant, ensuring that green foliage is still visible on all the cut stems. Once we are satisfied with the shape, we may then thin out a few old or diseased stems. This final step allows light into the centre of the plant which can help buds to expand and create a bushier plant that is more aesthetic.

Keep in mind that Azaleas flower on stems that are one year old. The more growth you remove this year will impact the flowering for next year. On this basis, there is always a trade-off on removing vegetation.

When To Trim Azaleas

After flowering is the best time to trim Azaleas. The Plant Company recommends this is undertaken no later than one month after flowering as the plants can recover from this activity and produce fresh growth to harden off ahead of winter. Moreover, as Azaleas flower on older growth, this new growth ahead of winter is likely to produce flowers the following spring.

Why Prune Azaleas?

Azaleas grow with a rounded, almost ball-like shape, with all of the new growth generally on the outside of the plant. That ball will keep getting bigger and bigger if it is not pruned back and will quickly become woody at its centre. We therefore prune to contain growth, encourage fresh foliage, and to present a more aesthetic plant.

Removing dead, broken, or diseased stems can be undertaken anytime. These should be cut back to where buds on the stem are still visible. Doing this will also help air circulate through the plant which will reduce the likelihood of disease buildup.

Azalea Varieties & Recommendations

Choosing an Azalea that works for you can be challenging given the sheer number that are available. Working through the different varieties, how big the flowers are, and so on, can take considerable time. The Plant Company’s series of short articles aims to offer concise and easy to follow advice and recommendations so you can determine the variety for your needs.

Azalea Flower Colours

Azaleas are known for their vibrant and diverse flower colors, making them a popular choice for adding beauty and vibrance to landscapes. They come in a wide spectrum of colours, ranging from delicate pastels to fiery oranges and reds. Here's a glimpse into the captivating world of Azalea flower colors:

• Reds: Azaleas boast a wide range of reds with deep red and crimson reds very popular. Some examples include: Azalea 'Red Rag', Azalea 'Red Wings', and Azalea 'Nico Red'.
• Pinks: From the soft, baby pink of Azalea 'Gumpo Pink' to pastel pink of Azalea 'Pink Ice'.
• Whites: Azalea 'Fielders White', Azalea 'Mrs Kint White', and Azalea 'Gumpo White' are all popular varieties.
• Purples: Azaleas with captivating shades of purple include the orchid purple of Azalea 'Purple Splendour' and vibrant purple in Azalea 'Purple Glitters'.
• Oranges: Azalea 'Melford Orange', Azalea 'Orange Glow', and Azalea 'Orange Delight' are popular choices.
• Yellows: Although less common, yellow Azaleas like Azalea 'Yellow Ball' and Azalea mollis 'Yellow Beauty' are great options.

Azalea Gumpo White Information

Azalea Gumpo White is a compact evergreen shrub prized for its delicate flowers. It's a true dwarf variety of the Satsuki Azalea hybrids, producing a mass of large and ruffled, pure white flowers in spring and sporadically in autumn. Some of its key characteristics include:

• Size: Grows to a mature height of around 60 cm tall and 60-90 cm wide with a dense and rounded shape. It is relatively slow growing.
• Flowers: These are large, ruffled, pure white, and semi-double. They may have a delicate fragrance.
• Light Requirements: Prefers partial shade or dappled sunlight under a tree.
• Soil: Thrives in moist, well-drained soil that is acidic (pH 4.5 to 6.0).
• Hardiness: Hardy to moderate frost.

With its beautiful white blooms, compact size, and low-maintenance requirements, Azalea Gumpo White is a versatile plant that can add elegance to various landscaping features. It's perfect for small gardens, borders, or growing in a pot.

Dwarf Evergreen Azaleas

The Plant Company has a number of dwarf evergreen Azaleas. We classify these a dwarf variety as growing no taller than 80 cm. A list of the common varieties (sorted from smallest to tallest), and their flower colour is presented below.

• Azalea 'Asawa', 40 cm, mauve flowers
• Azalea 'Gumpo Salmon', 50 cm, pink flowers
• Azalea 'Eureka White', 50 cm, white flowers
• Azalea 'Nak Winter Green', 50 cm, orange flowers
• Azalea 'Anniversary Day', 60 cm, pink flowers
• Azalea 'Christmas Cheer', 60 cm, pink flowers
• Azalea 'Empress Of India', 60 cm, pink flowers
• Azalea 'Gretel', 60 cm, multi flowers
• Azalea 'Gumpo White', 60 cm, white flowers
• Azalea 'Hardy Gardenia', 60 cm, white flowers
• Azalea 'Kirin', 60 cm, pink flowers
• Azalea 'Luci', 60 cm, pink flowers
• Azalea 'Peach Kirin', 60 cm, pink flowers
• Azalea 'Tosca', 60 cm, pink flowers
• Azalea 'Wards Ruby', 60 cm, red flowers
• Azalea 'Bayou', 60 cm, white flowers
• Azalea 'Blushing Bride', 60 cm, pink flowers
• Azalea 'Clarissa', 60 cm, dark pink flowers
• Azalea 'Cliffs Choice', 60 cm, light pink flowers
• Azalea 'Compte de Keretone', 60 cm, pink flowers
• Azalea 'Daphne', 60 cm, white flowers
• Azalea 'Deutsche Perle', 60 cm, white flowers
• Azalea 'Dorothy Gish', 60 cm, red flowers
• Azalea 'Leopold Astrid' , 60 cm, white flowers
• Azalea 'Mission Bells', 60 cm, pink flowers
• Azalea 'Myagino', 60 cm, purple flowers
• Azalea 'Peaches and Cream', 60 cm, pink flowers
• Azalea 'Pink Dream', 60 cm, pink flowers
• Azalea 'Pink Ice', 60 cm, pink flowers
• Azalea 'Pink Ruffles', 60 cm, pink flowers
• Azalea 'Princess Maud', 60 cm, pink flowers
• Azalea 'Startrek', 60 cm, white flowers
• Azalea 'De Waeles Favourite', 60 cm, pink flowers
• Azalea 'White Inga', 60 cm, white flowers
• Azalea 'Fire Tower', 70 cm, orange flowers
• Azalea 'Kosmos', 70 cm, pink flowers
• Azalea 'Show Girl', 70 cm, salmon flowers
• Azalea 'The Teacher', 70 cm, pink flowers
• Azalea 'Autumn Ivory', 70 cm, white flowers
• Azalea 'Albert Elizabeth', 70 cm, white flowers
• Azalea 'Anna Kehr', 70 cm, pink flowers
• Azalea 'Brides Bouquet', 70 cm, white flowers
• Azalea 'Chiara', 70 cm, dark pink flowers
• Azalea 'Constance', 70 cm, pink flowers
• Azalea 'Fiery Boy', 70 cm, red flowers
• Azalea 'Hardijzers Beauty', 70 cm, purple flowers
• Azalea 'High Sierra', 70 cm, white flowers
• Azalea 'Joan Garrett', 70 cm, pink flowers
• Azalea 'Kocho No Mai', 70 cm, pink flowers
• Azalea 'Komo Kulshan', 70 cm, pink flowers
• Azalea 'Lucy', 70 cm, pink flowers
• Azalea 'Madonna', 70 cm, white flowers
• Azalea 'Melody', 70 cm, pink flowers
• Azalea 'Nico Red', 70 cm, red flowers
• Azalea 'Princess Sonya', 70 cm, white flowers
• Azalea 'Purple Splendour', 70 cm, purple flowers
• Azalea 'Red Ruffles', 70 cm, red flowers
• Azalea 'Shiraz', 70 cm, red flowers
• Azalea 'Starburst', 70 cm, purple flowers
• Azalea 'Tico Tico', 70 cm, purple flowers
• Azalea 'Tristesse', 70 cm, purple flowers
• Azalea 'Autumn Embers', 70 cm, red flowers
• Azalea 'Advent Bells', 75 cm, pink flowers
• Azalea 'Aline', 75 cm, white flowers
• Azalea 'Ambrosia', 75 cm, red flowers
• Azalea 'Fire Bird', 75 cm, red flowers
• Azalea 'Garden Party', 75 cm, pink flowers
• Azalea 'Happy Days', 75 cm, purple flowers
• Azalea 'Red Wings', 75 cm, red flowers
• Azalea 'Ripples', 75 cm, pink flowers
• Azalea 'Silver Anniversary', 75 cm, pink flowers
• Azalea 'Southern Aurora', 75 cm, apricot flowers
• Azalea 'Sweet Nellie', 75 cm, pink flowers
• Azalea 'Red Poppy', 75 cm, dark red flowers
• Azalea 'Abundance', 75 cm, pink flowers
• Azalea 'Gardenia Supreme', 75 cm, white flowers
• Azalea 'Miss Suzie', 75 cm, pink flowers
• Azalea 'Snow', 75 cm, white flowers
• Azalea 'Splendours Variegated', 75 cm, pink flowers
• Azalea 'Whitehouse', 75 cm, white flowers
• Azalea 'Easter Bonnet', 75 cm, light purple flowers
• Azalea 'Autumn Bravo', 75 cm, red flowers
• Azalea 'Autumn Monarch', 75 cm, red flowers
• Azalea 'Autumn Princess', 75 cm, pink flowers

Encore Azalea Ivory Information

Encore Azalea Ivory is a compact shrub that produces masses of bright white flowers in spring and sporadically until late autumn. It's a popular choice for mixed plantings, borders, and containers. Some of its key characteristics include:

• Size: Grows to 60-90 cm tall and wide with a dense and rounded shape.
• Flowers: Single, bright white flowers.
• Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade.
• Soil: Well-drained, acidic, and fertile.
• Hardiness: Hardy to moderate frost.

With its beautiful flowers and low-maintenance requirements, the Encore Azalea Ivory makes for a great addition to any garden.

Small White Evergreen Azaleas

The Plant Company has a number of small (i.e., less than 80 cm tall), white evergreen Azaleas. A list of the common varieties is presented below along with their heights.

• Azalea 'Eureka White', 50 cm
• Azalea 'Gumpo White', 60 cm
• Azalea 'Hardy Gardenia', 60 cm
• Azalea 'Bayou', 60 cm
• Azalea 'Daphne', 60 cm
• Azalea 'Deutsche Perle', 60 cm
• Azalea 'Leopold Astrid' , 60 cm
• Azalea 'Startrek', 60 cm
• Azalea 'White Inga', 60 cm
• Azalea 'Autumn Ivory', 70 cm
• Azalea 'Albert Elizabeth', 70 cm
• Azalea 'Brides Bouquet', 70 cm
• Azalea 'High Sierra', 70 cm
• Azalea 'Madonna', 70 cm
• Azalea 'Princess Sonya', 70 cm
• Azalea 'Aline', 75 cm
• Azalea 'Gardenia Supreme', 75 cm
• Azalea 'Snow', 75 cm
• Azalea 'Whitehouse', 75 cm

What Are The Different Types Of Azaleas?

There are two main types of azaleas, classified based on when they are evergreen or deciduous.

Evergreen Azaleas:

• These are native to Asia and thrive in warm climates. They may require protection from harsh frosts in colder regions.
• Popular varieties include:
  • Satsuki Azaleas: These are prized for their exceptional flowers and come in a wide range of colors.
  • Kurume Azaleas: These are compact, mounding evergreen shrubs with vibrant flowers in spring.
  • Indian Azaleas: These are known for their large, trumpet-shaped flowers and broad leaves. However, they tend to be the least cold-hardy of the evergreen varieties.

Deciduous Azaleas:

• Native to North America and eastern Asia. They are more cold-hardy than evergreen varieties.
• They are renowned for their spectacular spring displays of colourful flowers.
• Popular varieties include:
  • G Gable Azaleas: These are low growing, spreading shrubs with fragrant flowers in shades of pink, red, orange, and white.
  • Northern Lights Azaleas: These are a series of cold-hardy deciduous azaleas bred to tolerate colder climates. They come in a variety of colors.
  • Mollis Azaleas: These are known for their large, soft, fragrant flowers in shades of yellow, orange, and red.

White Evergreen Azaleas

The Plant Company has a number of white evergreen Azaleas. A list of the common varieties is presented below.

• Azalea 'Eureka White', 50 cm
• Azalea 'Gumpo White', 60 cm
• Azalea 'Hardy Gardenia', 60 cm
• Azalea 'Bayou', 60 cm
• Azalea 'Daphne', 60 cm
• Azalea 'Deutsche Perle', 60 cm
• Azalea 'Leopold Astrid' , 60 cm
• Azalea 'Startrek', 60 cm
• Azalea 'White Inga', 60 cm
• Azalea 'Autumn Ivory', 70 cm
• Azalea 'Albert Elizabeth', 70 cm
• Azalea 'Brides Bouquet', 70 cm
• Azalea 'High Sierra', 70 cm
• Azalea 'Madonna', 70 cm
• Azalea 'Princess Sonya', 70 cm
• Azalea 'Aline', 75 cm
• Azalea 'Gardenia Supreme', 75 cm
• Azalea 'Snow', 75 cm
• Azalea 'Whitehouse', 75 cm
• Azalea 'Alaska', 80 cm
• Azalea 'Mrs Kint White', 80 cm
• Azalea 'Pax', 80 cm
• Azalea 'Cherry Blossom', 80 cm
• Azalea 'Candy Stripe', 80 cm
• Azalea 'Seikai', 80 cm
• Azalea 'White Grandeur', 90 cm
• Azalea 'Apple Blossom', 100 cm
• Azalea 'Autumn Starlite', 100 cm
• Azalea 'Fielders White', 100 cm
• Azalea 'Palestrina', 100 cm
• Azalea 'Tamihana', 100 cm
• Azalea 'Double White', 100 cm
• Azalea 'White Dragon', 100 cm
• Azalea 'Autumn Lily', 120 cm
• Azalea 'Alba Magnifica', 150 cm
• Azalea 'Magnifica Alba', 150 cm

How to Plant and Grow An Azalea

Planting an Azalea and getting it to grow well is generally easy when you get a few of the basics right. This involves planting them in the right soil type, choosing the most ideal planting position, selecting the best variety, and ensuring the plants have the essentials to thrive. The Plant Company has the right advice to give you the greatest chance of success when growing an Azalea.

Do Azaleas Like Full Sun Or Shade?

Azaleas will grow well in full sin or partial shade. As the levels of shade increase, the flowering and overall aesthetics of the plant decline. They need at least six hours per day or full sun or eight hours of dappled light to perform well.

How To Plant An Azalea

Choose a full sun position with good drainage and moderate shelter for your Azalea. The hole should be dug to at least 50-75% deeper and wider than the container the plant is currently growing in. A good planting spade makes this job a lot easier. The Plant Company recommends incorporating compost or sheep pellets into the soil to provide additional organic material, but this is not essential. Do not put fertiliser in the bottom of the hole, rather spread that on the soil surface after planting, and preferably do this when the plant is actively growing in spring.

Remove the plant from the container it is growing in by either pulling it free or by cutting the bag. We recommend cutting the bag, especially for larger grade plants, to minimise any chance of damaging the roots. If the roots are bound up, you can tease them apart if you want but this is not essential. The Plant Company does not advise cutting through roots, even if the plant is rootbound, as that injures the plant. Our article, Managing Rootbound Plants explains this in more detail.

Now place the plant in the hole and make sure it is level with the soil surface before filling in around it. If it is sitting above the soil surface, dig more out. If it is below, put in more soil and retest the level. Once the plant is set level with the soil surface, add more soil gradually and firm it around the plant using gentle pressure from your fingers as you go. Scatter fertiliser for acid loving plants across the soil surface after planting and the give the plant a good watering.

What Soil Conditions Do Azaleas Like?

Azaleas are quite particular about their soil conditions. For your plant to thrive, some key requirements are:

• Acidity: Azaleas thrive in acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 6.0.
• Drainage: Azaleas have shallow root systems and don't tolerate soggy conditions. They need well-drained soil that allows excess water to drain away freely.
• Moisture: While Azaleas prefer well-drained soil, they also need consistent moisture, especially during the hot summer months. Applying a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
• Organic Matter: Amending the soil with organic matter like compost, shredded leaves, or peat moss helps improve the soil biology and fertility.

When Should I Plant Azaleas In NZ?

Azaleas can be planted anytime in NZ, though autumn, winter, and spring are the seasons recommended by The Plant Company. At these times the plants are not exposed to high temperatures and can establish before the heat of summer arrives. This helps ensure stronger plants that will burst into growth during summer. You can still plant in summer if you are prepared to keep the plants well-watered.

Where Do Azaleas Grow Best?

Azaleas grow well in full sun, partial shade, or dappled sunlight as might occur under a tree. They prefer a moist, well-drained soil, as their shallow roots don’t like sitting in water. The soil also needs to be acidic with a pH of between 5-6.5. If you have more neutral to alkaline soil, you will need to amend the soil with fertiliser for acid loving plants or other sulphur based fertilisers.

Why Do Azaleas Need Acid Soil?

Azaleas need an acidic soil for two key reasons:

1. Nutrient Availability: Acidic soil helps make essential nutrients, particularly iron, more available for Azaleas to absorb. Iron plays a vital role in chlorophyll production, which is essential for photosynthesis and overall plant health. In high pH (more alkaline) soil, iron becomes less soluble and can lock up, making it difficult for Azaleas to access it. This can lead to a condition called iron chlorosis, where the leaves turn yellow, but the veins remain green.
2. Aluminum Toxicity: Azaleas are sensitive to high aluminium levels in soil. In acidic soil, aluminium tends to be less soluble and less likely to harm the plant. However, in alkaline soil, aluminium becomes more soluble and can be toxic to Azaleas, affecting root growth and overall plant health.

So, acidic soil provides a "sweet spot" for Azaleas by making essential nutrients available while minimizing the risk of aluminium toxicity.

Landscaping With Azaleas

These short articles provide some insight into how you might use Azalea plants in different situations and what you might pair them with.

How To Use Azaleas In A Garden?

Azaleas are versatile plants and can be used in many ways:

Hedges

• Evergreen Azaleas are great for hedges 50 cm to 1 m tall. The colourful flowers create a touch of elegance and vibrance to a hegde.

Mass plantings

• Large plantings of Azaleas on a bank or as clusters in a garden often creates beautiful displays. The rounded shape also makes them great for borders.

Planting against a house

• The small size and attractive flowers make them perfect for planting beneath windows and the like. They bring colour and vibrancy close to the indoor environment.

Container growing

• Most azaleas can be maintained in a pot with a little and often trimming regime. A pot enables a pop of colour to be introduced to patios, decks, pool areas, and the like.

Including in mixed plantings or growing as a specimen

• Azaleas are popular shrubs to add colour and vibrancy to a garden. They are often used as a single pop of colour in a garden or to provide colour contrasts to other flowering or foliage plants. On this basis, they are perfect for most garden spectrums from cottage gardens, pool areas, and also to complement modern architecture.

What Plants Go Well With Azaleas?

Azaleas are beautiful flowering shrubs that can add a touch of elegance to any garden. But what plants go well with azaleas?

• Other flowering shrubs: Azaleas look great when paired with other flowering shrubs that bloom at different times of the year. This will help to extend flowering in your garden. Some good choices include rhododendrons, hydrangeas, and camellias.
• Grasses: Grasses can also add texture and interest to your garden. They can also help to soften the azaleas. Some good grass options include Carex, Lomandra, and Liriope.
• Groundcovers: Some good groundcovers to pair with azaleas include vinca, pachysandra, and Lysimachia (creeping Jenny).

Which Is Better, Azalea Or Rhododendron?

Azaleas and rhododendrons are both beautiful flowering shrubs, but there are some key differences between the two. Azaleas are generally smaller than rhododendrons and have a more compact growth habit. They also have smaller leaves and flowers. Rhododendrons come in a wider range of sizes, from dwarf varieties to large shrubs. They also have larger leaves and flowers than azaleas in general.

In terms of which is better, it really depends on your personal preferences. If you are looking for a smaller, more compact shrub with delicate flowers, then an azalea is a good choice. If you are looking for a larger shrub or tree with bolder flowers, then a rhododendron is a good choice.