Azaleas are many and varied, but the growing conditions for all – except the houseplant types (Azalea indica) – are the same. Encore Autumn Embers Azalea. 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. Use many companion plants. Plant azaleas and rhododendrons with the top of the root ball slightly above soil level. Choosing companion plants can sometimes cause a little fear and trepidation. 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. The key to matchmaking Encore® Azalea varieties with companion plants is to select plants that have similar exposure, soil and water needs. Azaleas grow in dapple shade, so choose companion plants that thrive in partially shaded locations. Shade-Loving Plants. Sometimes called Florida Flame azaleas, native azaleas only bloom in spring, but their blazing orange and yellow blooms are stunning. This shade-loving evergreen fern has sword-shaped foliage in bright green hues. Or do you prefer flowerbeds where something is always in ... Foliage Type. They come in many flower colors, including pink, red, white, yellow, and purple. 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. They tolerate a wide range of climates and naturalize to low water and drip irrigation. 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. Combine azaleas with other flowering shrubs. Azaleas are flowering shrubs that grow well in shady locations and acidic soil. This section will give examples of some plants which have been grown very successfully with Rhododendrons and Azaleas. Plant other landscape plants among or near azaleas as the azaleas partner well with other plants and are not invasive. Don't cultivate around these plants, as they have shallow roots. Japanese Maples. The 'Golden Oriole' is a nice choice if you're seeking flowers in the yellow-to-orange range. 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®. Best done October/ November. However, trees with dense foliage -- such as pines or maples -- will provide too much shade and could prevent the azaleas from flowering. Azaleas blossoms will provide early color. Light up … The summer leaves remain on the plant towards the top of the branches and is set closely together. Texture or color will be unsurpassed if you partner your Encore® Azaleas with one of the carex from the EverColor® series. For example, “Mathilda Gutges” is a frost-tolerant plant with lacy blooms in blue, pink and violet hues. Bearing large flowers with flaming colors, they’re guaranteed to electrify your spring landscape. Trees provide the dapple shade needed for azaleas to grow successfully. Because they absorb water through their foliage, wet both the leaves and root zone when you water. Most are deciduous (lose leaves in the winter) and are able to tolerate warmer temperatures. Instead, choose trees with high crowns. Many gardeners are stunned when they first see a mature Bronze Beauty™ or LeAnn™ Cleyera. If pruned they may continue to grow … In dry soil, the roots will go deeper to get moisture. 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). “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. Do not plant azaleas in heavy shade as poor flowering and weak growth result. Asian azaleas grow as shrubs and are available in two varieties, both of which are evergreen: Kurume hybrids. Plants grow 4 feet tall. A month after planting, begin feeding azaleas with Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble Azalea, Camellia, Rhododendron Plant Food. Evergreen azaleas do well in partial shade with some wind protection. 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. This acid-loving shrub grows in zones 8 through 11 in full to partial sunlight. Seven choices of color and variegation will amaze when grown with your Encore® Azalea. 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. Their lighting needs depend on the variety. 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. ... 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. Azaleas grow best in well-draining soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6. Variegated foliage artfully creates different textures in your garden. Doing so gradually over several years reduces shock to the plant. Choosing Companions for Azaleas and Rhododendrons. The Best Place for Azaleas. Azalea roots need aerated soil and will not grow well in compacted mediums. home » Gardening » Inspiration » Top 5 Companion Plants for Encore® Azaleas. 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. Deciduous varieties flower more profusely in full sun. They grow best in acid (4.5 to 6.0 pH), well-drained, organic soils. Tulip poplars (Liriodendron tulipifera) -- also called tulip trees -- grow in zones 4 to 9 with a height of 60 to 90 feet. Azaleas naturally thrive at the edge of light pine woods. A ph level of 6 or below is what you will be aiming for if you want to grow healthy azaleas. Azalea Alternatives for South Florida. 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. “August Beauty” gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides “August Beauty”) produces large white flowers with a sweet fragrance and stunning evergreen foliage. You can select your favorite blossom color since the azalea blooms will have faded before your hydrangea is flowering. Though it is technically a tree, Japanese maples are available … 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. It produces clusters of bright orange blooms that sit atop stalks that protrude above dark green, broad foliage. Azaleas do not grow well – if at all - in lime soils. Most azaleas prefer shade, but some azaleas need full sun to grow. Each of these Southern Living® Plant Collection abelia varieties offers colorful variegated foliage that lasts all year. Foliage Bushes. 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. Some varieties flower very early and may need frost protection while others bloom late and might require more shade to extend bloom time. Kalmia, Mahonia, Pieris, and Viburnum are evergreen shrubs which compliment Rhododendron and Azaleas. If you prefer to pair perennials with Autumn Fire™, try a few high performers from Southern Living® Plant Collection. 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. Azaleas have 5 stamens per lobe and one lobe per flower, whereas rhododendrons have twice as many, or sometimes more stamens. Early morning sun exposure after a hard freeze may cause cold injury. The elegant blooms of “August Beauty” look lovely in cut floral arrangements. Planting taller, intermediate Encores® in the rear of the border and compact selections to the front allows you to create a sensational layered panorama. Flanigan completed two writing courses at Pierpont Community and Technical College. Glowing with white to light pink blooms in spring, these shrubs are a winning addition no matter your favorite Encore® color. How to Grow Azaleas. This adaptable plant need an abundance of water but can grow in hanging baskets. Trees. Soon, you’ll find you’ve created a beautiful garden full of friends! Azaleas are shallow-rooted plants that are easily damaged by excessive soil moisture. Mulch well. What Grows Well With Azaleas? Astilbe is an Asian perennial herb which grows well with Rhododendron and Azaleas. 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. It produces light green leaves and young fiddleheads blushed with red. In wet soil, the roots will grow closer to the surface to get oxygen. The blooms of the azalea range in color and shape; certain azalea species are evergreen, adding a bit of color in the winter months. As the tree ages, the crown forms a rounded shape with deep green foliage that looks stunning in the fall months. Imagine an informal drift of seven or nine red Autumn Bonfire™ azaleas, or maybe the award-winning purple Autumn Royalty™. Acidic Plants. Native azaleas grow like small trees and don't need pruning. Various plants work well when grown as companions to azaleas and add contrasting color and texture to your garden. Provide well-drained, humus-rich soil that is slightly acidic (pH 4.5–6). Several cultivars of bigleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla) require a partially shaded location. While shrubby brethren like spireas, panicle hydrangeas, and abelias will … 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. Do you want spring flowers that complement the azalea and rhododendron blossoms? Tulip poplars tolerates rabbits, deer and clay soil. Azaleas can grow in full shade but will produce less blooms and will likely grow a more spindly appearance. English oak (Quercus robur) is a slow-growing deciduous tree reaching heights of up to 100 feet in zones 4 through 8. pruning azaleas The new spring growth on Azaleas can be pruned to maintain the attractive shape of the plants. Select tall azaleas as background or wall shrubs. English Holly (Ilex aquifolium) English holly, with its prickly leaves, makes a better hedge plant than … 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. Information on the Christina Azalea Plant Origins 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. Encore® Azalea planting season is here, and garden centers are stocked to the hilt. It grows in full or partial shade, reaching heights of up to 6 feet in zones 5 through 9. 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. Partial Shade: Plant azaleas in dappled sunlight, or in a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade. Change the color scheme by selecting plants that bloom at different seasons. Azaleas and boxwood shrubs will look good planted in front of hydrangeas. 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. Growing 6 feet or more at maturity, these azaleas are suited to large or estate lots. 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. Consider time of bloom. 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. Trees provide the dapple shade needed for azaleas to grow successfully. This low-growing fern spreads without being invasive and can be used to fill unwanted spaces between plants. “Daikagura Variegated” camellia (Camellia japonica “Daikagura Variegated”) is an acid-loving, evergreen shrub resistant to deer and growing in zones 8 through 10. Flanigan has written for various publications, including WV Living and American Craft Council, and has published several eBooks on craft and garden-related subjects. 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