Elizabeth Lawrence Azalea

Elizabeth Lawrence Azalea (Azalea indica 'Elizabeth Lawrence') is a compact evergreen shrub, about 1m high and wide, that carries huge single magenta flowers from late winter right through spring. The colour is vivid enough to be seen from the street, and the plant is small enough to live in a patio pot.

Why you'll love it

• Very vivid colour. Large single flowers in a saturated magenta pink cover the shrub at its peak.
• A long flowering season. Blooms start in late winter and continue through spring, so the display runs for months.
• Compact and rounded. At about 1m by 1m it fits small beds and borders without constant clipping.
• Evergreen. Dense leaves keep the shrub looking furnished long after the flowers are over.
• Takes a light frost. Once established, it tolerates light frost, which widens the places it can be grown.

Where it works best

Mass displays. Plant 80cm apart in groups of three or more for a solid block of flowering colour. At that spacing the shrubs touch at maturity and shade the soil, which keeps the roots cool.

Feature shrub. One plant beside an entry, window or path becomes the focal point of the season. Its fine, shallow roots will not lift paving, so it can sit close to paths.

Patio pots. Its size suits a large container on a patio or verandah. Use a potting mix made for azaleas and camellias, and keep pots out of reach of pets that chew plants.

Growing Elizabeth Lawrence Azalea in Australia

Position and climate. Azaleas love dappled light, with morning sun, afternoon sun or both. Full sun is acceptable but not in a hot, dry, exposed position. It suits subtropical, warm temperate and cool temperate gardens, and established plants tolerate light frost. In cold districts plant it under a tree canopy or eave so frost does not mark the open flowers.

Soil. Plant in moist, free draining soil rich in organic matter. Azaleas prefer acid ground, so mulch with pine bark and keep lime away. In alkaline soil the leaves turn yellow, and a pot of azalea mix is the easy fix.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until established, usually around 12 weeks, then keep watering regularly through the first twelve months. Azaleas do not like drying out. Feed with a slow release fertiliser formulated for azaleas.

Pruning. Prune straight after spring flowering to promote a dense habit and plenty of flowers next season. Pruning later in the year removes the buds for the following spring.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Elizabeth Lawrence Azalea as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Expect leafy growth first and a heavier flower display as the shrub matures.

Because tube stock comes from our grower, it sells out from time to time. A sold out tube means the grower has none today, and the notify button on the page emails you the day more is available.

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 partial shade
• Plants that suit pots and containers

Common questions

Is it safe for dogs and cats?

No. Azaleas are toxic to cats, dogs and other animals if chewed or eaten, so plant it where pets do not graze or browse, or choose a pet friendly shrub instead.

Can I grow it in a pot?

Yes, it is a good container plant. Use a potting mix made for azaleas, keep it evenly moist and repot only when the roots fill the pot.

Will frost damage the flowers?

Established plants take a light frost, but a hard frost can mark open flowers. In cold areas plant under overhead cover, such as a tree canopy or eave.