Azaleas

Azalea Cultivation

The two main groups of Azaleas are Evergreen and Deciduous.

Deciduous Azaleas grow to around 1.8 metres high and are clothed with stunning flowers. In the autumn most of the deciduous varieties have spectacular leaf colour.

Evergreen Azaleas are slower growing and typically grow no more than one metre high and wide. There is a wide range of flower colours. Some varieties such as Johanna have beautiful bronze red foliage.

Azaleas prefer an acid soil with a pH of roughly 4.5-5.5. They have fiberous roots and prefer well-drained soils high in organic material. Most Azalea varieties will tolerate full sun to partial shade. Do not allow to dry out especially in the first year of planting. Regular feeding during the growing season will ensure strong healthy plants.

Evergreen Azaleas lend themselves very well as container grown plants. Very useful if soil conditions are not conducive to growing directly into the soil. With container grown Azaleas it is most important that a good quality ericaceous soil is used for potting and that the plants are not stressed due to lack of water. Feed during the growing season to keep plants growing.