Nuccio's Crown Jewel Azalea

Nuccio's Crown Jewel Azalea (Azalea 'Nuccio's Crown Jewel') is a vigorous evergreen shrub, about 1.5m high and 2m wide, with large white single or semi double flowers striped and splashed with vermilion red. It flowers in both spring and autumn, which makes it a generous azalea for colour.

Why you'll love it

• Striped, splashed flowers. Each white bloom carries vermilion red streaks, so the display is lively and varied.
• Two flowering seasons. It blooms in spring and again in autumn, so the colour comes round twice a year.
• Vigorous and fast growing. It is a healthy, fast growing shrub, so it builds its size more quickly than many azaleas.
• Good for low hedges. At 1.5m by 2m it is dense enough for a flowering boundary of low to medium height.
• Good in pots. It is suitable for large containers, which puts the showy flowers close at hand.

Where it works best

Low flowering hedges. Plant 1m apart in a single row. The shrubs close into a flowering line that carries two bursts of colour a year.

Mass displays. Group three or more, 1m apart, for a full block of striped flowers beneath trees or along a shaded boundary.

Pots and feature planting. A big pot by an entry suits it well, as the showy flowers read best up close. Keep pots away from pets that chew plants.

Growing Nuccio's Crown Jewel 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. Established plants cope with light frost, but shelter them from hard frost.

Soil. Plant in free draining soil rich in organic matter. A potting mix rich in peat moss or humus is ideal for containers. Azaleas prefer acid ground, so mulch with pine bark and avoid lime.

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, and top up after the spring flush to support the autumn blooms.

Pruning. Prune after the spring flowers fade to promote a dense habit and flowers next season. A light trim is enough.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Nuccio's Crown Jewel Azalea as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Because the shrub is vigorous, it catches up fast once the roots are settled.

Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. When the grower has none, the tube shows as sold out on this page, and the notify button emails you 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
• Best hedging plants
• Plants that suit pots and containers

Common questions

Does it really flower twice a year?

Yes. Expect a main flush in spring and a second round in autumn. Feeding after the spring display helps the autumn flowers.

Will the stripes look the same on every flower?

No. The red splashing varies from bloom to bloom, so expect some flowers to be more heavily marked than others.

Is it safe for dogs and cats?

No. Azaleas are toxic to cats, dogs and other animals if chewed or eaten, so keep it away from pets that browse on plants.