Carnival Queen Azalea

Carnival Queen Azalea (Azalea indica 'Carnival Queen') is a small to medium rounded evergreen shrub, about 1.5m high and wide, with bright pink semi double flowers and gently ruffled edges. Planted in groups it makes a bold block of spring colour.

Why you'll love it

• Bright pink semi double flowers. The blooms have softly ruffled edges and sit densely above the leaves, giving a full, lively display.
• Looks best in drifts. It suits mass planting, where the flowers merge into a single wave of pink.
• A tidy rounded habit. The naturally rounded shape needs little shaping and sits well in a border.
• Evergreen. The leaves stay on year round, giving structure when it is not in flower.
• Suits pots. At 1.5m it is happy in a large container on a patio.

Where it works best

Mass planting. Plant 1m apart in staggered rows. The rounded shrubs touch as they mature and make a single block of colour in spring.

Garden borders. Set at the back or middle of a shaded border, with ferns and liriope in front to fill the base.

Containers. A large pot of azalea mix on a verandah makes an easy seasonal display. Keep the pot where pets cannot chew the leaves.

Growing Carnival Queen 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 climates. Established plants cope with light frost, but shelter them from hard frost.

Soil. Free draining soil rich in organic matter is best. Azaleas prefer acid ground, so mulch with pine bark and avoid lime. If the leaves turn yellow, your soil is probably too alkaline and a pot is the answer.

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

Pruning. Prune after spring flowering to promote dense growth and flowers next season. A light trim of tips is enough.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Carnival Queen Azalea as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Tube stock is the economical way to plant a drift, though a young plant will take time to flower as heavily as a mature shrub.

Availability of tube stock depends on our grower. A sold out tube simply means none is on hand right now, and the notify button on this page sends you an email the day it is back.

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
• Plants for mass planting
• Plants for partial shade

Common questions

How many plants do I need for a drift?

Divide the length of the bed by 1m for a single row. For a deeper drift, stagger two rows 1m apart and roughly double the count.

How do I get more flowers?

Give it dappled light, keep it evenly moist and feed with an azalea fertiliser after flowering. Prune right after flowering only, as later cuts remove the buds.

Is it safe for dogs and cats?

No. Azaleas are toxic to cats, dogs and other animals if eaten, so it is not suitable where pets chew garden plants.