A shrub in a pot
Rhododendron simsii, often called the Indian or florist's azalea, is a compact evergreen native to southern China. Growers have bred it into compact plants that disappear under flowers for several weeks. Unlike the hardy deciduous garden azaleas, it dislikes hard frost, which is why it is sold as a pot plant and kept indoors or on a sheltered veranda in cooler areas.
Water is the whole game
Azaleas have fine, shallow roots that dry out quickly and hate being waterlogged. The best routine is to sit the pot in a basin of water for ten to fifteen minutes when the surface feels dry, then let it drain fully. Rainwater is kinder than hard tap water, because azaleas need acidic conditions and chalky water pushes the pH up.
- Light: bright but out of direct sun.
- Temperature: cool rooms keep flowers longer; heat and dry air shorten them.
- Feeding: use a fertiliser made for acid-loving plants, and only after flowering.
- Pruning: trim lightly after the blooms are over.
Moving one into the garden
In Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide's hills, Hobart and the Blue Mountains, a florist's azalea can often go into the garden once flowering has finished, in a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade, in acidic, humus-rich soil with a thick layer of mulch. In Perth's alkaline sands and in the hot tropics it is far harder to keep alive.
Toxic to animals
The toxins responsible are grayanotoxins. The ASPCA rates azalea as toxic for dogs, cats and horses, and signs include drooling, vomiting and weakness. Phone a vet immediately if a pet has chewed the leaves, and the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 if a child has.
