A grand house plant that will last and last if you give it soft water.

Rhododendron simsii or indoor azaleas produce large funnel shaped flowers in a range of bright colours almost gaudy.

• They dislike warm conditions and are more suited to a cool room or porch.
• Buy in tight bud and they will open progressively indoors.
• Plants need an acidic, loam compost and will benefit from misting with water on a daily basis until their buds start to show colour.
• Keep plant roots just moist at all times and water with soft water to keep plants healthy.
• During summer they can go outside but keep the moist.
• Flowers are better when the plant is root bound in a pot.

• Deciduous azaleas in Lemon and Orange colour provide strong spring colouring.
• The Knap Hill group was originated with Anthony Waterer about 1870 and many varieties are now available.
• There are 16 hardy species of azaleas.
• Grow in half shade, where the soil is always a bit moist.

• Japanese azales have smaller flowers and leaves.
• They are generally very floriferous and are covered in bloom during April or May.
• Many of these azaleas with Japanese names were introduced early in the 20th century by Ernest Wilson.
• More photographs
• Japanese azaleas are particularly effective when planted in groups even with mixed colours.
• Keep well watered in summer as the new buds will be forming for the following year.
• Feed wih ericaceous fertilizer

Pink Garden Azalea