Only One Earth Indica Azalea

Azalea 'Only One Earth' (Rhododendron indicum 'Only One Earth') is an indica azalea with white flowers broken by pink markings, no two quite the same. It settles at about 1.2m tall and 1.2m wide, a well behaved shrub for a shaded bed or a large pot rather than something that swallows a border. The flowering is heavy and long, and it comes in the cool half of the year when a shady garden needs it most.

Why you'll love it

• Flowers that vary across the bush. White petals splashed and edged with pink, so the plant reads as two colours rather than a flat block.
• Right sized for a suburban bed. At 1.2m each way it holds its shape without constant cutting back.
• It performs in shade. Dappled light and morning sun suit it, which is exactly where most flowering shrubs disappoint.
• Wide climate range. Comfortable from cool temperate through warm temperate to subtropical gardens, and it copes with humidity.

Where it works best

Mass planting under trees. Plant 1m apart for a full block of colour beneath established canopy. The spacing lets the roots share the surface soil without crowding.

Borders and pots. A single row along a shaded path gives year round structure. In a 400mm pot of acidic mix you control soil pH directly, which is the thing azaleas care about most.

One honest caution. All azaleas are toxic to cats, dogs and horses if eaten, so this is not a plant for a garden where a dog chews foliage.

Growing azaleas in Australia

Position and climate. Filtered light or morning sun with afternoon shade. Hot afternoon sun burns the flowers and bronzes the leaves. It suits cool temperate, warm temperate and subtropical gardens, and tolerates light frost only, so in hard frosting districts give it the shelter of a canopy or a wall.

Soil. Acidic, free draining and rich in organic matter. Azaleas are surface rooted, so dig compost through the top of the bed, plant slightly proud of the soil line, and mulch with pine bark. Yellow leaves with green veins mean the pH has climbed too high.

Water and feed. Keep the root zone evenly moist while buds are forming, since shallow roots dry out fast. Feed with an azalea and camellia fertiliser after flowering and again in midsummer. Avoid lime and mushroom compost entirely.

Pruning. Prune straight after flowering, taking up to a third to keep the plant compact. Leave it later than that and you will cut off the buds that are already forming for the next season.

What to expect when it arrives

This azalea is grown in 140mm pots sold in packs of ten and 200mm pots sold in packs of six. The 140mm plants are young and bushy, the value option for a mass planting. The 200mm plants are fuller and closer to garden ready, worth the difference for a few feature positions.

Azaleas are slow growers, so be patient: expect a few weeks of settling, modest growth in the first year and a proper display in the second. Water on arrival and never let a new azalea dry out. Delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95 and a minimum order of $300 before delivery. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Azalea care guide: soil, feeding and pruning
• Browse the full azalea range
• More shrubs for partial shade

Common questions

How far apart should I plant them?

One metre apart for a full mass planting. At 1.2m wide the plants meet and knit together within two or three seasons without competing hard for water.

Why are the leaves turning yellow between the veins?

The soil is not acidic enough for the roots to take up iron. Mulch with pine bark, feed with an azalea and camellia fertiliser, and avoid lime near the plant.

Is it safe around pets?

No. Azaleas are toxic to cats, dogs and horses if eaten, and even small amounts can cause serious illness. Choose another shrub if your animals chew garden plants.