Shiraz Azalea

Shiraz Azalea (Rhododendron 'Shiraz') is the azalea to choose when you want depth of colour rather than pastel. Its blooms open a deep wine red flushed with purple, smothering a neat evergreen shrub that settles at about 1.2m tall and 1.2m wide. The compact, even habit makes it useful as a low flowering hedge or a pot specimen.

Why you'll love it

• Wine dark flowers. The red to purple tones read as almost black in low light, which is rare in a shrub this easy to grow.
• Compact and even. At 1.2m by 1.2m it stays in scale beside a path or under a window with only light trimming.
• A hedge that flowers. Planted 1m apart it forms a low informal hedge that turns solid colour in bloom, worked hard by bees and butterflies.
• Comfortable in humidity. It handles humid coastal summers, so it suits subtropical gardens that defeat many cool climate shrubs.

Where it works best

Low hedging and borders. Plant 1m apart in a single row. At that spacing the canopies meet without the crowding that causes dieback in the shaded interior of an azalea hedge.

Pots and courtyards. A pot 400mm or wider suits it well, and container growing holds the plant nearer 1m. Use an acidic potting mix and never let it dry right out.

Mass planting under trees. It thrives in the dappled light beneath established canopy trees, where full sun shrubs tend to stretch and thin.

Growing Shiraz Azalea in Australia

Position and climate. Morning sun with afternoon shade gives the best flowers and the cleanest foliage. It suits subtropical, warm temperate and cool temperate gardens, but it takes light frost only, so in hard frosting tableland and inland districts give it a sheltered spot and protect young plants for their first two winters.

Soil. Acidic, free draining and rich in organic matter. Work compost through the bed, avoid lime and keep 75mm of mulch over the shallow root zone.

Water and feed. The roots sit near the surface and burn quickly when dry, so water deeply twice a week through summer. Feed with an azalea and camellia fertiliser once flowering finishes, and again in late summer.

Pruning. Trim straight after the flowers drop. Next season's buds set on new growth over summer, so pruning late in the year removes the display you are waiting for.

What to expect when it arrives

Shiraz Azalea is grown as tube stock. These are young, well rooted plants rather than instant shrubs, which is why they are the affordable way to plant a whole hedge run. Expect two to three seasons before plants meet, and the first serious flowering in the second year.

Tubes travel securely and settle quickly once potted on or planted into prepared soil. Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95 and a minimum order of $300 before delivery. Every plant carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• The complete azalea care guide
• Compare the full azalea range
• Carnival Time Azalea for pink and white flowers at 1.5m
• More plants for partial shade

Common questions

Is it safe around cats and dogs?

No. All azaleas and rhododendrons contain grayanotoxins and are toxic to cats, dogs and horses if the leaves or flowers are eaten. Plant it out of reach if your pet chews foliage.

How far apart should I plant it for a hedge?

One metre apart in a single row gives a solid low hedge at around 1.2m. Closer planting shades the inner branches and thins the base.

Why are the leaves turning yellow between the veins?

That is usually iron deficiency caused by soil that is too alkaline. Correct it with an acidic fertiliser and chelated iron, and check that no lime or concrete run off reaches the bed.