Alphonse Anderson Azalea

Alphonse Anderson is the classic indica azalea for a shaded bed that needs a lift in late winter and spring (Rhododendron indicum 'Alphonse Anderson'). It builds a dense evergreen bush around 1.5m tall and wide, then covers itself in pink blooms edged and striped with white. Few shrubs flower this heavily in a position that gets only a few hours of direct sun.

Why you'll love it

• It flowers in the shade. Morning sun and afternoon shade is exactly what it wants, which makes it useful under established trees and along south facing walls.
• Two tone blooms. Each flower is edged and streaked with white, and no two are marked the same.
• A useful hedge size. At 1.5m by 1.5m it screens a fence line or divides a garden without needing constant height control.
• Humidity is no problem. Unlike many flowering shrubs it holds up through a subtropical summer, so it works from Melbourne to the Sunshine Coast.

Where it works best

Hedging and mass planting. Plant 1m apart for a dense informal hedge. The bushes knit within two to three seasons and flower as one block.

Feature planting and borders. A single bush anchors a shaded corner, and a row of them makes a soft edge to a path where a clipped hedge would look severe.

Pots and containers. Use a 400mm or wider pot with an acidic camellia and azalea mix. Potted azaleas dry out fast and drop buds when they do.

Growing azaleas in Australia

Position and climate. Dappled light or morning sun with afternoon shade. Subtropical, warm temperate and cool temperate gardens all suit it, and it takes light frost only, so hard frosting inland and tableland districts will damage the flower buds. Full afternoon sun scorches the leaves anywhere.

Soil. Acidic, around pH 5 to 6, and rich in organic matter. Work compost and aged pine bark through the bed before planting. Alkaline or limey soil causes yellow leaves with green veins, which is the most common azalea complaint we hear.

Water and feed. The roots are shallow and sit near the surface, so keep 75mm of mulch on and water deeply twice a week through summer rather than lightly every day. Feed with an azalea and camellia fertiliser after flowering and again in late summer.

Pruning. Trim straight after the flowers finish, taking up to a third if you need to reshape. Next season's buds form on that new growth through summer, so pruning in autumn or winter removes the flowers.

What to expect when it arrives

Four sizes are grown: tube stock, packs of ten 140mm plants, packs of six 200mm plants, and single 300mm pots. Tubes and 140mm plants are the value option for a long hedge and take an extra season to catch up. The 300mm plants are already branched and usually flower in their first season with you.

Some bud drop after transit is normal, particularly if the plant arrives in flower. Plant it at the same depth it was in the pot, since azaleas resent deep planting. Delivered Australia wide, delivery from $29.95, minimum order of $300 before delivery, and every plant carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• The complete azalea care guide
• Browse the full azalea range
• How to lower soil pH for acid loving plants
• Compare other plants for partial shade

Common questions

Is it safe around cats and dogs?

No. All azaleas are toxic to pets, and eating the leaves or flowers can cause vomiting, drooling and, in larger amounts, serious heart effects. Plant it out of reach if your dog chews foliage, and see a vet promptly if you suspect any has been eaten.

How far apart for a hedge?

One metre apart in a single row. That gives each plant room to fill out to its full 1.5m width while still closing the gaps between them.

Why are the leaves yellow with green veins?

That is iron deficiency caused by soil that is too alkaline. Apply iron chelates for a quick correction, then lower the pH with sulphur or an acidic mulch for the long term.