This information is provided as a free service to viewers. We do not sell these plants.
Overview
Ghent hybrid Azalea are deciduous and grow well in the cooler areas of Australia.
They are frost hardy, however they do not do well in warmer climates for these areas choose evergreen hybrids.
Ghent hybrid Azalea are large shrubs that tend to flower in early summer.
The funnel-shaped long-tubed flowers are small of either single or double form in large terminal clusters. Many of the varieties have fragrant flowers.
Gardens landscaped with deciduous azalea have another splash of colour during autumn as the leaves change colour from green to red, oranges, yellows and browns.
Soil: Well-drained soil with high organic matter content is important.
Azaleas prefer a soil that is slightly acid and ensure there is a good layer of mulch to maintain moisture levels.
The biggest problems with azalea are due to poor drainage causing the roots to rot or lack of water causing the roots to dry out.
Careful selection of the appropriate location and good preparation of the soil before planting will greatly increase the plant's chance of thriving.
Maintenance: It has a shallow root system so keep the roots moist by mulching well with compost and other leaf matter, or grass.
Feed with an Azalea or Rhododendron formulation (they have no lime).
Trim off spent flower heads and water well in summer
Diseases: Azalea Petal Blight and Azalea Lace Bug are a problem particularly in the warmer areas.
There are some hybrids that seem to be more resistant than others, check with your nursery when purchasing plants.
Other Species: Azalea hybrid groups:
Evergreen, Gable, Glen Dale,Indica, Kaempferi, Kurume, Oldhamii, Shammarello, Vuyk
Deciduous, Knap Hill and Exbury, Mollis, Ilam, Occidential.
Author: Bob Saunders.