Standard Azaleas
Azaleas are among the most popular flowering shrubs in the world, and are a feature of many spring gardens. There are thousands of varieties and most of them do well when grown in pots. However, when planted in the garden some azalea varieties are much better than others. The best tall growing varieties with single flowers include ‘Alba Magna’ (large white), ‘Alphonse Anderson’ (light pink, edged white, rosy blotch in throat) ‘Magnifica’ (purple) and ‘Splendens’ (salmon pink with magenta spots). There is also a sport of Alphonse Anderson called ‘Kalimna Pearl’, which has soft lavender pink double flowers.
‘Sport’ is a term used in horticulture to describe the way some plants grow just one branch or segment which is different from the original plant. Sports can be propagated from cuttings to produce a new variety.
Spectacular standards
Don looked at a feature border of ‘Alphonse Anderson’ azaleas grown as standards, or balls on sticks. They were planted around a circular driveway behind a low box hedge. The lovely light pink flowers of the azaleas bring light and happiness into what would have otherwise been a very green garden.
Climate: Azaleas grow well in most parts of Australia, from Brisbane to Perth and south, but are at their best in cool to temperate areas.
Getting started
Azaleas are readily available at nurseries, particularly in spring when they are in flower. Standard azaleas are available in a variety of sizes, starting at about 1m (3′) tall in 250mm (10″) pots from $55, and 1.3m (4′) tall in 400mm (15″) pots from $150.
Further reading
For more information on growing azaleas, consult Growing Azaleas by Allan Evans (Kangaroo Press, 1994) or Growing Rhododendrons by Richard Francis (Kangaroo Press, 1997).