Azalea indica
Ericaceae
Azalea
Derived in cultivation from Rhododendron parents during the nineteenth century, the Indica Azaleas are now often described as a separate species or group. They are a variable group of plants, typically growing to approx 60m high by 1m wide, although there are larger and smaller forms. They have dark green, ovate leaves and feature an enormous range of flower colours. Most cultivars are long flowering.
Uses
Ornamental flowering shrub suitable for garden beds, cottage gardens and as a pot plant.
Culture
Suitable for cool and mild climates, they prefer some shade during the afternoon and thrive in fertile, well-drained and acidic soil. Frost resistant. Propagate by cuttings. Susceptible to Two-Spotted Mite.
Propagation
Late summer cuttings work best if taken from younger terminal softwood growth that is just beginning to harden.
Cultivars
The Indicas are mostly from Belgium and include: Southern Indicas, Belgian Indicas, Rutherford Indicas, and Kerrigan Indicas.
There are thousands of cultivars available within these groups.
Plant Health
Can be afflicted by a number of pests and diseases including: Red spider mite and lace bugs are are common problems - especially in stressed plants; petal blight (a fungal condition).
More info
Video: ‘Identifying Trees and Shrubs’ produced by Australian Correspondence Schools is available through http://www.acsgarden.com/shop/
Plant Identification, Landscape Design and Home Garden Expert courses are available through Australian Correspondence Schools, see http://www.acs.edu.au/hort
CDROM: ‘Trees and Shrubs for Warm Places’ by John Mason is available through http://www.acsgarden.com/shop/
More from ACS
Ebook - stunning photos, 212 pages covers identification, care, encyclopaedia.
View eBook
Ebook - Shade types, creating shade, designs, shade plants, water, culture, propagation.
View eBook