Flowering Shrub: Azealea (Rhododendron hybrids)

Azalea shrubs have small, oval leaves and trumpet-shaped flowers. The shrubs are twiggy in appearance and their spreading bushes usually reach a height of up to 8 feet. The azaleas fragrant blossoms come in an array of colours - from pure white to gold to vibrant purple.

Many azalea shrub varieties will bloom from late winter well into the summer, and are great for ornamental purposes such as rock gardens and garden borders.

Azaleas need light, well-drained, acidic soil and a cool, moist atmosphere. They need shelter from harsh winds, especially during winter time. If planted in an exposed location, they will need shade and shelter against winter sun and wind. Warmth and humidity is not damaging, however.

The soil for azalea shrubs should be moist yet well-drained, and high in organic matter or humus such as pine needles. It should not dry out, but cannot be saturated constantly.

Azaleas can be pruned anywhere along the stem; plants that have become too tall may be pruned back dramatically in the spring just before new growth begins. Trim the whole bush down within a foot of the ground. Add fertilizer and to the soil, in dry weather soaking the soil weekly. Fertilize in March, June and October with azalea/gardenia fertilizer.

To propagate Azalea, you may plant seeds, root its cuttings, or layer in spring.