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azaleas and rhododendrons

Azaleas and rhododendrons are among the most beloved flowering shrubs in New Zealand gardens, renowned for their spectacular blooms, evergreen foliage, and ability to add vibrant colour to shady spaces. Whether you're new to gardening or a seasoned enthusiast, these versatile plants can transform borders, woodland gardens, and patio pots throughout the seasons. Understanding the differences, choosing the perfect varieties, and providing the right care will ensure your azaleas and rhododendrons thrive and reward you for years to come.

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Azalea 'Happy Days'

Azalea 'Happy Days' is a delightful evergreen azalea that produces masses of bright pink flowers during spring. The vibrant blooms sit above glossy green foliage and create a cheerful display in New Zealand gardens. This compact shrub is ideal for adding colour to shaded borders and sheltered outdoor spaces.

From $18.85

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 75 cm
Spread: 75 cm
Flowering time: Spring, Winter
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Parks, Paths & Steps, Pool areas, Specimen
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock
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Fertiliser for acid loving plants

5 from 4 customers

Fertiliser for acid loving plants provides targeted nutrition for plants that perform best in acidic soil conditions. It helps support healthy foliage, strong roots, vibrant flowering, and vigorous growth while supplying essential nutrients.

From $7.95

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Azalea 'Kosmos'

Azalea 'Kosmos' is a stunning evergreen azalea admired for its vibrant pink flowers that appear in abundance during spring. The colourful blooms sit...

From$18.85
A stunning, pink Azalea 'Garden Party' flower.
Azalea 'Garden Party'

Azalea 'Garden Party' is a charming evergreen azalea that produces masses of soft pink flowers during spring. The delicate blooms sit above glossy...

From$18.85
azalea-silver-anniversary-1
Azalea 'Silver Anniversary'

Azalea 'Silver Anniversary' is an elegant evergreen azalea prized for its beautiful white flowers that are often lightly flushed with pink during...

From$18.85
Azalea 'Red Wings' stunning red flowers amidst dark green foliage.
Azalea 'Red Wings'

Azalea 'Red Wings' is a striking evergreen azalea admired for its vivid red flowers that appear in abundance during spring. The vibrant blooms sit...

From$18.85
azalea-blue-danube--1
Azalea 'Blue Danube'

Azalea 'Blue Danube' is a striking evergreen azalea admired for its masses of rich purple blue flowers and lush green foliage. This compact shrub...

From$18.85
Azalea 'Asawa' plant in spring for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Azalea 'Asawa'

Azalea 'Asawa' is a stunning evergreen azalea admired for its masses of vibrant flowers and compact growth habit. This attractive shrub produces an...

From$26.95
azalea-brides-bouquet-
Azalea 'Brides Bouquet'

Azalea 'Brides Bouquet' is a beautiful evergreen azalea admired for its masses of elegant white flowers and lush green foliage. This graceful shrub...

From$18.85
Cornus 'Eddies White Wonder' white flowers held on trailing stems.
Cornus 'Eddie's White Wonder'

Cornus 'Eddie's White Wonder' is a deciduous dogwood tree renowned for its impressive spring blossoms and vibrant autumn foliage. This hybrid...

From$340.69
Cornus 'Cherokee Chief' specimen tree with masses of pink flowers in late winter.
Cornus Cherokee Chief

Cornus 'Cherokee Chief' is a small, deciduous tree grown for its impressive flowering and attractive form. Masses of rose-red flowers are borne in...

From$270.40
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Rhododendron 'Kings Cerise'

Rhododendron 'King’s Cerise' is a magnificent evergreen shrub prized for its vibrant cerise pink flowers and attractive dark green foliage. During...

From$37.19
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Azalea 'Gardenia Supreme'

Azalea 'Gardenia Supreme' is a stunning evergreen azalea admired for its large elegant blooms and compact rounded growth habit. Flowering generously...

From$18.85
azalea-paradise-elfin-
Azalea 'Paradise Elfin'

Azalea 'Paradise Elfin' is a compact evergreen azalea prized for its masses of colourful blooms and tidy rounded growth habit. Flowering generously...

From$26.95
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Azalea indica

Azalea indica is a stunning evergreen shrub admired for its masses of vibrant blooms and compact growth habit. Flowering generously through spring...

From$99.95
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Rhododendron Vireya 'Tropic Glow'

Rhododendron Vireya 'Tropic Glow' is a spectacular tropical rhododendron admired for its vibrant flowers and glossy evergreen foliage. The colourful...

From$28.91
Azalea Lucy plant with bright pink flowers.
Azalea 'Lucy'

Azalea 'Lucy' is a beautiful evergreen azalea admired for its masses of colourful blooms and compact rounded growth habit. Flowering generously...

From$18.85
azalea-gretel-3
Azalea 'Gretel'

Azalea 'Gretel' is a charming evergreen azalea that produces masses of pure white flowers during spring. The elegant blooms contrast beautifully with...

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Azalea 'Fire Tower'

Azalea 'Fire Tower' is a vibrant evergreen azalea known for its brilliant red flowers that appear in abundance during spring. The vivid blooms...

OUT OF STOCK
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Rhododendron 'Pawhuska'

Rhododendron 'Pawhuska' is an impressive evergreen shrub admired for its beautiful flowering display and attractive dark green foliage. During...

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Rhododendron 'Rubicon'

Rhododendron 'Rubicon' is a spectacular evergreen shrub admired for its vibrant deep red flowers that create a bold display during spring. The rich...

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Rhododendron polyandrum flowers.
Rhododendron 'Polyandrum'

Rhododendron 'Polyandrum' is a highly desirable evergreen shrub valued for its attractive foliage and impressive display of fragrant white flowers...

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Rhododendron 'Princess Alice'

Rhododendron 'Princess Alice' is a beautiful evergreen shrub prized for its elegant clusters of soft cream to pale pink flowers that create a...

OUT OF STOCK
rhododendron-golden-gate-
Rhododendron 'Golden Gate'

Rhododendron 'Golden Gate' is a stunning deciduous rhododendron prized for its large trusses of fragrant golden yellow flowers that create a...

OUT OF STOCK
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Rhododendron 'Claire'

Rhododendron 'Claire' is a beautiful evergreen shrub admired for its elegant flowers and attractive dark green foliage. During spring, the blooms...

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Rhododendron Colonel Coen purple flowers.
Rhododendron 'Colonel Coen'

Rhododendron 'Colonel Coen' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its impressive flowering display and attractive dark green foliage. During...

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Rhododendron 'Alex Holmes'

Rhododendron 'Alex Holmes' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its beautiful flowering display and attractive dark green foliage. During...

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Rhododendron 'Unique' plant with beautiful flowers.
Rhododendron 'Unique'

Rhododendron 'Unique' is a highly regarded evergreen shrub celebrated for its beautiful pale pink to creamy white flowers and attractive dark green...

OUT OF STOCK
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Rhododendron 'Gwenevere'

Rhododendron 'Gwenevere' is a beautiful evergreen shrub admired for its elegant flowers and lush dark green foliage. During spring, the blooms create...

OUT OF STOCK
Rhododendron 'Virginalis' white flowers.
Rhododendron 'Virginalis'

Rhododendron 'Virginalis' is a graceful evergreen shrub admired for its elegant white flowers and attractive dark green foliage. Flowering abundantly...

OUT OF STOCK
Rhododendron 'Java Rose' rose-pink flowers.
Rhododendron 'Java Rose'

Rhododendron 'Java Rose' is a beautiful evergreen shrub known for its large trusses of soft rose pink flowers that appear during spring. The elegant...

OUT OF STOCK
Rhododendron 'Burnaby Centennial' plant with red flowers.
Rhododendron 'Burnaby Centennial'

Rhododendron 'Burnaby Centennial' is a spectacular evergreen shrub admired for its vibrant flowering display and attractive dark green foliage...

OUT OF STOCK
Azalea 'Happy Days'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Azalea, and Cornus, or related Categories - Acid Loving Plants, Evergreen Azaleas, and Deciduous Trees.

Search azaleas and rhododendrons

The Difference Between Azaleas and Rhododendrons

Often confused with one another, azaleas and rhododendrons belong to the same genus but have important distinctions. Azaleas generally have smaller, thinner leaves and bear funnel-shaped flowers, while rhododendrons typically produce larger, leathery leaves and bell-shaped blooms. Both offer an impressive range of colours and forms, but azaleas are usually more compact, making them ideal for borders and containers.

Best Azalea Varieties for New Zealand Gardens

Selecting the right varieties ensures the best display in your garden. Popular options include:

Planting and Care Tips

Azaleas and rhododendrons favour acidic, well-drained soils enriched with organic matter. When planting, position them in dappled shade to protect delicate blooms from harsh midday sun. Keep their roots cool and moist by applying a generous layer of mulch around the base, but avoid covering the stems. Regular watering during dry periods is crucial, especially for newly planted shrubs.

Feed your shrubs with a specialised azalea and rhododendron fertiliser in early spring, and prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness. Avoid heavy pruning, as azaleas and rhododendrons bloom on old wood.

Common Garden Uses

Thanks to their compact habit and long-lasting blooms, azaleas and rhododendrons make excellent choices for foundation plantings, shrub borders, and woodland gardens. They pair beautifully with ferns, hostas, and camellias for layered interest and texture throughout the year.

For patios or smaller gardens, many varieties such as Azalea 'Luci' or Azalea 'Happy Days' excel in containers, providing bursts of colour where space is limited.

Discover Azaleas and Rhododendrons for Your Garden

Add year-round beauty and enchanting colour to your landscape with azaleas and rhododendrons. Browse our carefully selected range, including favourites like Azalea Leopold Astrid (Rhododendron Astrid) and Azalea 'Fire Tower', and find the perfect varieties to complement your New Zealand garden.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Illustration of plant leaves.
We all know Cereus tetragonus and Agapanthus 'Gayles Lilac', but the real surprises come from plants like Leptinella dioica, Schefflera actinophylla, and Strelitzia reginae (Orange Bird Of Paradise).
–The Plant Company

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