edenhana

Azalea

A more compact relative of rhododendron, from the same genus, generally smaller-leaved and more densely flowering, and widely used for hedging or mass spring colour in New Zealand gardens. Needs the same acid soil (pH 4.5-6) as rhododendron, camellia and blueberry, and yellowing leaves usually signal soil that's too alkaline rather than a pest problem. Most garden varieties are evergreen, though some deciduous types exist and drop their leaves in autumn.

Sun
partial sun
Water
moderate
Spacing
75cm
Difficulty
beginner
Grows in
Whangārei / Northland, Auckland, Hamilton / Waikato, Tauranga / Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Napier / Hawke's Bay, New Plymouth / Taranaki, Palmerston North / Manawatū-Whanganui, Wellington, Nelson, Tasman, Blenheim / Marlborough, West Coast, Christchurch / Canterbury, Dunedin / Otago, Invercargill / Southland
Mature height
1.5m
Flowering season
Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov
Attracts wildlife
Bees
Evergreen
Yes
Common diseases
Petal blight in wet weather
Common pests
Azalea lace bug

When to plant by region

In Whangārei / Northland, Auckland, Tauranga / Bay of Plenty, Gisborne and Napier / Hawke's Bay: March-April and September-October. In Hamilton / Waikato, New Plymouth / Taranaki, Palmerston North / Manawatū-Whanganui, Wellington, Nelson, Tasman, Blenheim / Marlborough, West Coast, Christchurch / Canterbury, Dunedin / Otago and Invercargill / Southland: September-October.

Growing stages

  1. PlantingAutumn or spring

    • Plant into acid soil (pH 4.5-6); yellowing leaves later on usually mean the soil is too alkaline
    • Choose a part-shade spot, especially in hot inland areas, as full sun all day can scorch the leaves
    • Mulch with an acidic material such as pine bark to help retain moisture and suppress weeds

  2. Establishment

    • Water regularly through the first couple of summers while roots establish
    • Watch for azalea lace bug, which causes a fine, mottled speckling on the upper leaf surface
    • Shallow, fibrous roots dislike competing with nearby plants for water and nutrients

  3. FloweringLate winter into spring

    • Petal blight can turn flowers to mush quickly in wet weather; remove spent blooms promptly
    • Deadhead spent flower trusses to tidy the plant and encourage strong growth
    • Bees visit the flowers freely, so avoid spraying open blooms with insecticide

  4. Maturity

    • Trim lightly after flowering finishes to keep a dense, compact shape
    • Established plants need little ongoing care beyond mulching and occasional watering in dry spells
    • Continue to check for azalea lace bug through summer, especially on plants in full sun

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