Alaska Azalea

Alaska Azalea (Azalea indica 'Alaska') is a small to medium evergreen shrub, growing to about 1.5m high and 2m wide, with large, clear white flowers in spring above dense foliage. It is the azalea to choose for formal gardens, feature planting and flowering hedges.

Why you'll love it

• Clear white blooms. Large white flowers read crisply against dark green leaves and brighten shaded corners.
• Suits formal gardens. The white colour and dense, tidy habit sit comfortably beside clipped hedges, paving and pots.
• A medium to large size. At 1.5m by 2m it is big enough for feature planting or a hedge, with more presence than the dwarf azaleas.
• Evergreen foliage. Leaves stay on all year, so the shrub still earns its place when the flowers have gone.
• Good in pots. It is suitable for large containers, where the white flowers make a neat display.

Where it works best

Flowering hedges. Plant 1m apart in a single row. The shrubs meet in a continuous green wall that turns white in spring.

Formal and feature planting. A matched pair beside a front door, or a row along a path, gives symmetry with plenty of spring impact.

Large pots. Use a big container and azalea mix, and stand it where the white flowers can be seen from a window or terrace.

Growing Alaska Azalea in Australia

Position and climate. Azaleas love dappled light, with morning sun, afternoon sun or both. A full sun location may be acceptable but not in a hot, dry, exposed position. It suits subtropical, warm temperate and cool temperate gardens, and established plants cope with light frost.

Soil. Plant in free draining soil rich in organic matter. A potting mix rich in peat moss or humus is ideal in containers. Azaleas prefer acid ground, and yellowing leaves in alkaline soil are a sign to switch to a pot.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until established, usually around 12 weeks, then continue watering regularly for the first twelve months. Apply a slow release fertiliser formulated for azaleas.

Pruning. Prune after spring flowering to promote a dense habit and flowers next season. Light clipping after flowering keeps a hedge formal.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Alaska Azalea as tube stock, 140mm pots in packs of 10 and 200mm pots in packs of 6. Tube stock is a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly and is the economical choice for a long hedge, while the pots arrive with more growth already made.

Our tube stock is supplied by our grower, so it comes and goes. If the tube shows as sold out, the grower has none at the moment: press the notify button and we will email you the day it returns.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse the full azalea range
• Azalea care guide for Australian gardens
• Best hedging plants
• Plants for partial shade

Common questions

Can I clip it as a formal hedge?

Yes, but only right after flowering. Cutting later in the year removes next spring's flower buds, so a late shear means few blooms.

How wide does it grow?

About 2m wide and 1.5m high at maturity. Give it room, or plant a row 1m apart if you want the shrubs to merge into a hedge.

Is it safe for pets?

No. Azaleas are toxic to cats, dogs and other animals if chewed or eaten. Plant it away from pets, or choose a pet friendly shrub.