Azalea Violacea

Azalea Violacea (Rhododendron indicum 'Violacea') is the classic purple Indica azalea, the old garden favourite that still outperforms most newer releases in a warm Australian garden. It reaches about 1.2m tall and 1.2m wide, and in its main flush the deep purple flowers cover the bush so completely that the leaves disappear.

Why you'll love it

• True purple, not mauve. A strong, saturated flower colour that holds up in bright light instead of washing out.
• A useful mid layer size. At roughly 1.2m by 1.2m it fills the gap between groundcover and a screening shrub.
• Built for humidity. Indica azaleas were bred for warm humid conditions, so this handles a subtropical coastal summer well.
• It shapes well without fuss. Dense branching means a single light trim after flowering keeps it rounded and full to the base.
• Bees and butterflies feed on it. A worthwhile early season nectar source when little else in a shaded bed is flowering.

Where it works best

Feature planting. One well grown plant in a shaded bed gives a defined seasonal moment. Position it against dark foliage or a light wall.

Mass planting and borders. Plant 1m apart for a full mass planting. At that spacing the bushes knit into a continuous band while keeping enough airflow for humid weather.

Pots and containers. A pot 450mm or wider suits it, using an acidic mix. Containers hold it slightly smaller and let you move it into shelter in a colder district.

Growing Azalea Violacea in Australia

Position and climate. Partial shade is the target. Morning sun with afternoon protection gives the best flower colour, while deep shade thins flowering and hot sun scorches it. It grows in subtropical, warm temperate and cool temperate gardens, though it takes light frost only, so hard frosting inland districts want a sheltered position.

Soil. Acidic, free draining and high in organic matter. Azaleas are shallow rooted, so improve the top 200mm with compost rather than digging a deep hole, and mulch 50mm with pine bark kept clear of the stems.

Water and feed. Keep the root zone evenly moist through the first two summers with a deep soak twice a week. Shallow roots dry out fast, so mulch matters here. Feed an azalea and camellia fertiliser after flowering.

Pruning. Trim within a month of the flowers finishing and no later, since buds for the next season form over summer. Take the tips back 10 to 15cm to build density.

What to expect when it arrives

Three sizes are grown: tube stock, a 140mm pack of ten and a 200mm pack of six. Tubes are young plants around 15 to 25cm tall and are the value choice for a long border. The 140mm plants are branched and a season ahead. The 200mm plants usually flower in their first spring.

Azaleas travel well, though some leaf drop and dulling of colour after transit is normal and recovers within a few weeks. Plant within a few days into prepared acidic soil, water in thoroughly, and shelter from wind and hot sun for a fortnight. Delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Read our azalea care guide
• Compare colours across the azalea range
• Find companions in plants for partial shade
• Browse more colour options in flowering plants

Common questions

How far apart should I plant them?

1m apart for a full mass planting or a connected border. As individual specimens, allow 1.5m so each bush keeps its rounded shape and gets good air movement.

Is it safe around cats and dogs?

No. Azaleas contain grayanotoxins and are toxic to cats and dogs if leaves or flowers are eaten. Keep it away from pets that chew plants, or grow it in a raised container.

What causes the silvery, stippled leaves?

Azalea lace bug, the most common problem on this group in warm gardens. Check the underside of the leaves for black spotting, treat with a horticultural oil, and improve airflow.