Traits
- Sun
- Shade
- Feature
- Hedge
- Rockery
- Container
Flowering Season
Summer, Spring
Genus
The Rhododendron evergreen azalea hybrids are attractive plants cultivated for their beautiful flowers and verdant foliage. There are a number of hybrid types within this group, including: the Indica Hybrids, relatively fast-growing mid-sized plants, and the most widely grown azaleas in temperate climates, and includes the Belgian Indicas, Kerrigan Indicas, Rutherford Indicas, and Southern Indicas; the Kaempferi or Malvatica Hybrids, with large flowers borne in late spring or early summer, and includes the Gable Hybrids and Vuyk Hybrids; the Kurume Hybrids, early to mid-season blooming plants; the Satsuki Hybrids, small spreading bushes; and the Intergroup Hybrids, a broad category that includes crosses between the various other groups of azalea hybrids, and plants that do not neatly fall into any other group.
Appearance
The evergreen azalea hybrids are multi-stemmed plants. There are two types of leaves the spring leaves, which surround the flowerheads and are crowded at the ends of the previous years shoots; and the summer growth flush that produces longer leaves, more widely spaced on the branchlet. The funnel-shaped flowers come in shades of white to pink, red, and purple, and are often bicolored.
Cultivation
Like the Rhododendron species, the evergreen azalea hybrids prefer acidic soils, high in organic matter and freely draining, in a position in part-shade. The evergreen azalea hybrids do well in warmer temperate climates, where the risk of frost is minimal. While most prefer some protection from wind and sun, many others tolerate these conditions. Propagate from half-hardened cuttings or layers.
Gardening Australia suggests you check with your local authorities regarding the weed potential of any plants for your particular area.
© Global Book Publishing (Australia) Pty Ltd from Flora's Gardening Cards