Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between an azalea and a rhododendron?
ALL azaleas are rhododendrons, but only some rhododendrons are azaleas. Let me explain.
Scientifically speaking, azaleas are just one of the many groups of plants classified as rhododendron. They were once considered so
Is it true that there are azaleas that flower at two different seasons?
Yes, there are now four groups of azaleas that not only flower in the spring, but also flower again later in the season. They are also more cold hardy and also more heat tolerant than many azaleas.
The best known of these are the Encore azaleas that flower in spring, summer and autumn. There are now more than 30 varieties and they come in a wide range of vivid and pastel
Why aren’t my azaleas blooming?
Sun and shade: Most azaleas prefer four-six hours of sunshine each day to encourage blooming. However, too much sun will dry them out quickly or scorch the leaves, while too much shade will encourage spindly growth and sparse flowering. Different types also have their own preferences, so check your plant’s label. Watering: Azaleas dislike drought and also hate different from other rhododendrons that they deserved classification separately – but no longer. There are certain botanical details that mark azaleas out as different from other rhododendrons, but not so very different as to be treated separately.
colours. They are either dwarf 3x3ft (90x90cm) plants, or intermediate 4x4ft (1.2x1.2m) in size.
There are also Bloom-A-Thon azaleas (five varieties), ReBloom azaleas (six varieties), Bloom ’N Again azaleas (nine varieties) that are more cold hardy than most, and Perfecto Mundo (six varieties) azaleas, which are especially good in spring but also flower later in the year.
waterlogged soil, so try to create a balance and ensure that the soil is consistently damp. If you have more than two azaleas, consider installing a drip irrigation system. Fertiliser: One application of a specific granular azalea, camellia and rhododendron feed in spring is usually all that azaleas need. Plants that look sickly or are growing slowly, especially those in containers, may benefit from two or three doses of a specific liquid feed. Pruning: Trimming your azaleas at the wrong time can prevent flowering. It can be tempting to prune in spring or autumn, but this usually results in flower buds being cut off. If you decide to prune, do so as the spring flowers are fading.
Weather: Spring frosts can kill new shoots and flower buds. Your azaleas may take time to recover and there will be no flowers. If frost threatens at this delicate stage, cover your plants with a frost blanket – or even old bedsheets.