Adding colourful plants in May: Rhododendrons and Azaleas

Adding colourful plants in May: Rhododendrons and Azaleas

Adding colourful plants in May: Rhododendrons and Azaleas

May is the month where we see Rhododendrons and azaleas bursting into life as they produce their characteristic, brightly coloured flowers. With a choice of tubular, funnel or bell-shaped flowers, available in pinks, purples, yellows and oranges, there really is a Rhododendron and azalea for everyone.

Rhododendrons

Known for its spectacular flowers, Rhododendrons make a fantastic addition to an area of the garden where a pop of colour is needed during spring.

When it comes to planting, we would recommend ensuring they are placed somewhere that has dappled shade. They thrive in a woodland setting as well as growing well in sunny areas, provided it is sheltered and accompanied with well-drained, moist soil with a PH level of 4.5-6. Avoid planting in full shade as this will result in a limited amount of flowering.

For the best results, place your Rhododendrons in areas of high rainfall and plant in moist soil, using mulch to stop the plant from drying out.

Rhododendrons are fairly low maintenance, and require little pruning, other than the removal of dead wood and the deadheading of spent flowers.

Azaleas

Azaleas belong to the Rhododendron genus, and therefore are very similar plants. Smaller in comparison, but just as bold in colour, azaleas have beautiful flowers that can last for several weeks during spring.

For best results, we recommend planting azaleas in a cool, lightly shaded site to avoid burning the leaves. They can also be planted in the full sun as the leaves will be deprived of oxygen in heavy shade. Azaleas can work well in containers too, provided these are of the compact variety.

For best results, use an acidic soil with a PH level of 5-6 and choose an ericaceous compost when planting.

To maintain a more compact appearance, or to encourage a bushier growth, trim azaleas and cut their branches after their blooming period has finished as this helps to promote new growth.

Top picks available from our Cash & Carry

Rhododendron Golden Gate

Dark green leaves with beautiful, apricot pink flowers with a dark pink margin. Loved by bees, these plants would grow best in partial shade or full sun if sheltered.

Flowers: May – June

Position: Full sun – partial shade

Height: Up to 120cm

Spread: Up to 120cm

Rhododendron Kabarett

A pretty variety with purply pink flowers and a burgundy red marking that appears in May, this shrub is moderately vigorous and will grow up to 1m high.

Flowers: May – June

Position: Full sun – partial shade

Height: Up to 100cm

Spread: Up to 150cm

Azalea Jolie Madame

Trumpet-shaped, pink scented flowers with an orange blotch in the centre that look fantastic against their glossy green leaves. The perfect addition to an acidic border with a height and spread of 150cm.

Flowers: May – June

Position: Full sun – partial shade

Height: Up to 150cm

Spread: Up to 150cm

 

Azalea ‘Golden Eagle’

Large trumpet-shaped, orangey yellow flowers bloom in May, with a lime green foliage that takes on a shade of bronze and purple in the autumn.

Flowers: May – June

Position:  Full sun – partial shade

Height: Up to 200cm

Spread: Up to 150cm

Posted 22nd May 1:40pm