It produces light green leaves and young fiddleheads blushed with red. And the shape of their flowers differs as well, with azaleas having a flower shape more like a funnel, whereas rhododendron blossoms commonly resemble bells. In addition to the main plant nutrients, this fertilizer also includes micronutrients such as iron, manganese, and zinc, which are vital for growing azaleas (and other acidic soil-loving plants). It grows in full or partial shade, reaching heights of up to 6 feet in zones 5 through 9. Or do you prefer flowerbeds where something is always in ... Foliage Type. Soil. English Holly (Ilex aquifolium) English holly, with its prickly leaves, makes a better hedge plant than … Trees provide the dapple shade needed for azaleas to grow successfully. Azaleas are many and varied, but the growing conditions for all – except the houseplant types (Azalea indica) – are the same. Native azaleas grow like small trees and don't need pruning. Azaleas do best in spots sheltered from harsh winds. Their lighting needs depend on the variety. Easy-to-Care-for Ornamental Trees for Landscape, The Best Ground Cover Plants for Shady Areas, Fine Gardening: Genus Rhododendron (Azalea), Missouri Botanical Garden: Formal Gardens, San Francisco Botanical Garden Society: Trees, Ferns & Rhododendrons Sale, Monrovia: Belgian Hybrid Orange Bush Lily, Fine Gardening: Hydrangea Macrophylla (Bigleaf Hydrangea, Hortensia, Lace-Cap Hydrangea, Florist's Hydrangea), Missouri Botanical Garden: Liriodendron Tulipifera, What Plants to Plant Near Blue Atlas Cedar. Planting taller, intermediate Encores® in the rear of the border and compact selections to the front allows you to create a sensational layered panorama. Each of these Southern Living® Plant Collection abelia varieties offers colorful variegated foliage that lasts all year. Glossy deep green and bronze-colored foliage on a 10- to 12-foot shrub will take your breath away, while your Encore Azaleas dazzle below. If pruned they may continue to grow … Trees provide the dapple shade needed for azaleas to grow successfully. Since the flower coverage on azaleas encompasses the entire shrub, placing them in a background of conifers, such as pines, or other acid-loving plants will help set off their colors while minimizing their heavy effect. If you want to add a unique specimen, you could plant a few native azaleas. Ranging from dwarf to tall, like Christmas Jewel® Holly, variegated, such as Golden Oakland™, or offering prolific berries, like Robin™ Holly, you are certain to find one that suits your needs. Trees. In reasonably well drained soil, the roots of evergreen azaleas tend to stay in a well defined mass of fine feeder roots from the surface down to around 12 inches deep. This adaptable plant need an abundance of water but can grow in hanging baskets. How to Grow Azaleas. They tolerate a wide range of climates and naturalize to low water and drip irrigation. Best done October/ November. Kalmia, Mahonia, Pieris, and Viburnum are evergreen shrubs which compliment Rhododendron and Azaleas. The stunning purple flowers of ‘Encore Autumn Amethyst’ azalea appear in spring, mid-summer, and again in fall. Rhododendron x Gable Stewartstonian is one of the best known and most beautiful of the azaleas, but there are many varieties that feature a wide range of colors. Provide well-drained, humus-rich soil that is slightly acidic (pH 4.5–6). The elegant blooms of “August Beauty” look lovely in cut floral arrangements. Choosing companion plants can sometimes cause a little fear and trepidation. Azalea Alternatives for South Florida. Plants grow 4 feet tall. Azaleas blossoms will provide early color. Bearing large flowers with flaming colors, they’re guaranteed to electrify your spring landscape. The most obvious choice for Encore® companion plants would be other azaleas, or more specifically, other Encore® Azalea varieties in differing bloom colors or heights. Tulip poplars tolerates rabbits, deer and clay soil. Glowing with white to light pink blooms in spring, these shrubs are a winning addition no matter your favorite Encore® color. According to the San Francisco Botanical Garden Society, ferns are wonderful companion plants to azaleas. Partial shade is best balance for azaleas to stimulate blooms and produce healthy foliage, without the leaves suffering from sunburn and the roots struggling with drought in full sun. Older plants may have tall leggy branches that need to be removed. In wet soil, the roots will grow closer to the surface to get oxygen. Sometimes called Florida Flame azaleas, native azaleas only bloom in spring, but their blazing orange and yellow blooms are stunning. Because they absorb water through their foliage, wet both the leaves and root zone when you water. Relax – with Encore Azaleas, it’s really hard to get it wrong. For example, “Mathilda Gutges” is a frost-tolerant plant with lacy blooms in blue, pink and violet hues. Most are deciduous (lose leaves in the winter) and are able to tolerate warmer temperatures. Don't cultivate around these plants, as they have shallow roots. Though it is technically a tree, Japanese maples are available … They come in many flower colors, including pink, red, white, yellow, and purple. Consider time of bloom. Acidic Plants. Pink Moody Blues™ Veronica, Dark Moody Blues™ Veronica or Endurascape™ White Blush Verbena are three choices that will bloom heartily alongside your Encores from spring to fall. A ph level of 6 or below is what you will be aiming for if you want to grow healthy azaleas. Not only can they serve as the bones or structure of your garden, but also as a backdrop for your favorite colors of Encore® Azaleas. They grow best in acid (4.5 to 6.0 pH), well-drained, organic soils. “August Beauty” gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides “August Beauty”) produces large white flowers with a sweet fragrance and stunning evergreen foliage. Azaleas have 5 stamens per lobe and one lobe per flower, whereas rhododendrons have twice as many, or sometimes more stamens. Although azaleas aren’t well suited for South Florida, gardeners in the tropical regions of the state can try growing an azalea relative called the vireya rhododendron. Flanigan has written for various publications, including WV Living and American Craft Council, and has published several eBooks on craft and garden-related subjects. Change the color scheme by selecting plants that bloom at different seasons. Early morning sun exposure after a hard freeze may cause cold injury. pruning azaleas The new spring growth on Azaleas can be pruned to maintain the attractive shape of the plants. While their blooms are exhibiting unimaginable beauty, the look would be even more riveting if grown next to a sweep of one of the incredible variegated abelias like Miss Lemon™, ‘Kaleidoscope’ or Confetti®. What Grows Well With Azaleas? While shrubby brethren like spireas, panicle hydrangeas, and abelias will … Encore Autumn Embers Azalea. Amanda Flanigan began writing professionally in 2007. Azaleas are shallow-rooted plants that are easily damaged by excessive soil moisture. Shade-Loving Plants. Also known as rhododendron, azaleas (Rhododendron) are the state flowers of West Virginia and Washington, and they grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 4 through 9. Imagine an informal drift of seven or nine red Autumn Bonfire™ azaleas, or maybe the award-winning purple Autumn Royalty™. This section will give examples of some plants which have been grown very successfully with Rhododendrons and Azaleas. Mulch well. Azalea roots need aerated soil and will not grow well in compacted mediums. Noted for its abundant flowering, the quality of its foliage and its pleasant fall colors, Hamamelis x intermedia 'Pallida' is one of the most popular hybrid witch hazels and one of the finest winter-flowering shrubs. It produces clusters of bright orange blooms that sit atop stalks that protrude above dark green, broad foliage. Information on the Christina Azalea Plant Origins Astilbe is an Asian perennial herb which grows well with Rhododendron and Azaleas. You’ll also find beautiful new variegation in the other Southern Living® Plant Collection cleyera varieties Romeo™ and Juliet™. Select tall azaleas as background or wall shrubs. Azaleas are flowering shrubs that grow well in shady locations and acidic soil. Bloom Time. Various plants work well when grown as companions to azaleas and add contrasting color and texture to your garden. Foliage Bushes. Flanigan completed two writing courses at Pierpont Community and Technical College. Many gardeners are stunned when they first see a mature Bronze Beauty™ or LeAnn™ Cleyera. This sun-loving tree will produce showy yellow blooms in May or June while providing shade for the azaleas. This acid-loving shrub grows in zones 8 through 11 in full to partial sunlight. Doing so gradually over several years reduces shock to the plant. Some varieties flower very early and may need frost protection while others bloom late and might require more shade to extend bloom time. Choosing Companions for Azaleas and Rhododendrons. Most azaleas prefer shade, but some azaleas need full sun to grow. Deciduous varieties flower more profusely in full sun. Growing 6 feet or more at maturity, these azaleas are suited to large or estate lots. Azaleas can grow in full shade but will produce less blooms and will likely grow a more spindly appearance. Soon, you’ll find you’ve created a beautiful garden full of friends! Variegated foliage artfully creates different textures in your garden. Asian azaleas grow as shrubs and are available in two varieties, both of which are evergreen: Kurume hybrids. Several cultivars of bigleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla) require a partially shaded location. The blooms of the azalea range in color and shape; certain azalea species are evergreen, adding a bit of color in the winter months. Plant other landscape plants among or near azaleas as the azaleas partner well with other plants and are not invasive. There are low-growing ground cover azaleas, plants that grow from 1 to 2 feet, as well as plants that can grow up to 25 feet tall. Do you want spring flowers that complement the azalea and rhododendron blossoms? Purple and white Encores, or a combination of both – plus the Sunbow® Azalea selections – are sure to bring out the cameras. Azaleas naturally thrive at the edge of light pine woods. Use many companion plants. Hardy, this medium to large, vase-shaped, deciduous shrub enjoys dense clusters of fragrant, frost-proof, bright sulphur-yellow flowers in mid- to late winter. Acidic Soil: Azaleas prefer soil with a pH of 5 to 6.5. Partial Shade: Plant azaleas in dappled sunlight, or in a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade. The key to matchmaking Encore® Azalea varieties with companion plants is to select plants that have similar exposure, soil and water needs. Plant azaleas and rhododendrons with the top of the root ball slightly above soil level. Japanese Maples. These are bright red and keep well-contained in one area. The Best Place for Azaleas. Azaleas and boxwood shrubs will look good planted in front of hydrangeas. If your landscape is a blank canvas, then consider choosing dark green evergreens. Most evergreen azaleas grow well here. Each flower is lightly brushed with dark pink. Seven choices of color and variegation will amaze when grown with your Encore® Azalea. When grown along with gardenias, your bigleaf hydrangeas will produce bright blue flowers, especially if the soil pH is closer to 5.0 or closer to purple with a pH of 6.0. “Belgian Hybrid Orange” bush lily (Clivia miniata “Belgian Hybrid Orange”) is a perennial evergreen that grows in zones 9 through 11 with full to partial shade. © 2020 Encore Azalea | Privacy Policy Site designed and managed by Optera Creative. Amending the planting area with a generous amount of compost will alleviate compacted soils as it decomposes and feeds the soil ecology which will create space for the azaleas roots and provide oxygen in the soil for respiration. English oak (Quercus robur) is a slow-growing deciduous tree reaching heights of up to 100 feet in zones 4 through 8. The 'Golden Oriole' is a nice choice if you're seeking flowers in the yellow-to-orange range. While most varieties of azaleas prefer some shade during the afternoon there are many sun tolerant Azaleas that will grow in full sun or afternoon sun, such as the ones listed here. Azaleas grow in dapple shade, so choose companion plants that thrive in partially shaded locations. It thrives in filtered sun and produces beautiful rosy pink blooms spackled with white against dark green leaves with a glossy sheen. Southern Living® Plant Collection offers two selections that will tell you all you need to know just by their names – Solar Flare™ and Solar Glow™ Sunbow® Azaleas. Since azaleas prefer acidic soils, consider other acid-loving plants as azaleas companions. Tulip poplars (Liriodendron tulipifera) -- also called tulip trees -- grow in zones 4 to 9 with a height of 60 to 90 feet. Rhododendron 'Encore Autumn Embers'. Do not plant azaleas in heavy shade as poor flowering and weak growth result. Azaleas grow in dapple shade, so choose companion plants that thrive in partially shaded locations. Light up … The lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina) grows in hardiness zones 3 through 9 with heights of about 2 to 3 feet. home » Gardening » Inspiration » Top 5 Companion Plants for Encore® Azaleas. Shrubs. You can select your favorite blossom color since the azalea blooms will have faded before your hydrangea is flowering. Azalea roots need access to both moisture and oxygen. The summer leaves remain on the plant towards the top of the branches and is set closely together. Azaleas can grow approximately 5 feet by 4 feet, while camellias can grow to about 6 feet by 4 feet for sasanqua (small-leaved) types and 12 feet by 6 feet for japonica (large-leaved) types. This low-growing fern spreads without being invasive and can be used to fill unwanted spaces between plants. We’d like to help you select companion plants that make the home landscape a true garden. The best time to plant azaleas is in late spring or early fall. Each flower consists of 4 narrow, crinkled, strap-shaped p… Though most plants flower in the spring, there are also summer-blooming varieties that add color and charm to the garden. This shade-loving evergreen fern has sword-shaped foliage in bright green hues. The sword fern (Nephrolepis exaltata cordifolia) is a bit larger, growing 3 to 4 feet in zones 8 through 11. But azaleas and rhododendrons also are among the touchier plants to grow. In dry soil, the roots will go deeper to get moisture. Instead, choose trees with high crowns. Encore® Azalea planting season is here, and garden centers are stocked to the hilt. ... We ship the same plants and products nationwide that we offered to the customers who shopped at our land-based garden center in McDonough, Georgia for decades. A month after planting, begin feeding azaleas with Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble Azalea, Camellia, Rhododendron Plant Food. As the tree ages, the crown forms a rounded shape with deep green foliage that looks stunning in the fall months. Texture or color will be unsurpassed if you partner your Encore® Azaleas with one of the carex from the EverColor® series. Check the specifics for your variety before choosing a planting site. “Daikagura Variegated” camellia (Camellia japonica “Daikagura Variegated”) is an acid-loving, evergreen shrub resistant to deer and growing in zones 8 through 10. Evergreen azaleas do well in partial shade with some wind protection. The fine-leafed texture and bright chartreuse of ‘Everillo’ or gold from ‘Everoro’ will give absolute magic to all Encore® Azalea plantings, whether used in the foreground or alongside as a cluster. Partner azaleas in the garden with woodland perennials such as ferns, wild ginger (Asarum), Solomon’s seal (Polygonatum), hosta (Hosta), toad lily (Tricyrtis), and many others. If you prefer to pair perennials with Autumn Fire™, try a few high performers from Southern Living® Plant Collection. However, trees with dense foliage -- such as pines or maples -- will provide too much shade and could prevent the azaleas from flowering. Azaleas grow best in well-draining soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6. Cleyera is another great evergreen shrub or small tree that would partner well in a garden with hollies, while serving as a companion to Encore Azaleas. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Combine azaleas with other flowering shrubs. Cleyera is another great evergreen shrub or small tree that would partner well in a garden with hollies, while serving as a companion to Encore Azaleas. Many gardeners are stunned when they first see a mature Bronze Beauty™ or LeAnn™ Cleyera. Hollies are the workhorses of the landscape, and the Southern Living® Plant Collection features seven different varieties. Boxwoods and evergreen … Azaleas do not grow well – if at all - in lime soils. A combination of sun-loving spring and summer flowering perennials, such as zinnias and snapdragons, will not only add eye-catching appeal to your hydrangeas, but will give you a convenient cut-flower garden, as well. Locations and acidic soil variegated foliage artfully creates different textures in your garden filtered sun and beautiful. Successfully with rhododendrons and azaleas bloom time the 'Golden Oriole ' is a deciduous. 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