Species azalea

azalea

Rhododendron 'Gibraltar'

Azalea (Rhododendron 'Gibraltar') is an evergreen shrub with attractive glossy green leaves and a profusion of bell-shaped deep pink flowers appearing in mid spring. It is an ideal low maintenance accent shrub to add to any landscape with its unique look and resilient nature. Not only that, its easy to grow as long as it's planted in well-drained soil and kept in partial to full sun. A great choice for gardeners looking for a vibrant color splash to bring their garden to life.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Layering Propagation,Cutting,Grafting Propagation,Division,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 8

Flowers:

Orange Flowers

Sun:

Part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Poisonous To Pets:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

watering

Azalea (Rhododendron 'Gibraltar') plants should be watered weekly, taking into account both the temperature and the humidity levels. To avoid over-watering, use your finger or a soil moisture meter to test the soil moisture before watering. During periods of hot weather and during active growth, a good rule of thumb is to water deeply once a week with enough water to reach the roots, which should be about 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm). During dormancy, water the plant only enough to moisten the soil.

sunlight

Azalea (Rhododendron 'Gibraltar') plants need to be grown in an area with plenty of bright, indirect sunlight for at least 4 to 6 hours daily. During the summer months, they should receive full, direct sunlight from morning to midday, and preferably some shade for the rest of the day. The more light the plant receives, the more flowers it will produce. During the winter months, indirect, bright light is best. Avoid excessive sunlight which can burn or wilt the leaves. Move the plant away from windows or onto a north-facing window if the light is too intense.

pruning

Azaleas (Rhododendron 'Gibraltar') should be pruned once per year in late winter or early spring. This pruning should be done while the plant is completely dormant, before new growth begins. The overall goal of pruning is to shape and encourage a healthy, attractive growth habit, so aim to thin out any thick foliage, remove any dead or diseased branches, and remove lower branches. A light pruning (removing less than 1-third of the overall plant) will help keep the shrub full and flowering. If more pronounced pruning is desired, you can simply reduce the size of the entire plant by up to 1-third. After pruning, water newly planted or pruned azaleas thoroughly, and fertilize lightly.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Rhododendron 'Gibraltar' typically starts flowering in April.

Hardiness Map

FAQ

Is Azalea an evergreen flower?

Yes, azaleas are an evergreen flower. These flowering shrubs are deciduous, meaning that they have leaves that hold on through winter and bloom annually with beautiful and colorful pink, white or purple flowers. Azaleas are grown primarily for their attractive blossoms and attractive green foliage, which are a great addition to any garden.

How do I propagate azalea?

Propagating azaleas through cuttings is the most common method of propagation and is done best in autumn or early spring. To do this, use sharp, sterile pruning shears to cut a 3- to 4-inch length of softwood from a healthy branch of the azalea cluster. Ensure there are at least 2 to 3 sets of leaves on each cutting, and remove any larger leaves at the base. Prepare a pot with a potting mix containing 1-2 parts of sterile compost, 1 part of perlites and some rooting hormone. Stick the cuttings 1-2 inches into the potting mix and mist with water. Keep the pot in indirect sunlight, and keep the soil moist at all times. Once the roots begin to form, the new azalea is ready to be planted.

Can azalea plant propagate by cutting?

Yes, azaleas can be propagated by cuttings. Taking softwood cuttings from the soft-stemmed varieties of azalea is the most common way of propagating them. This can be done by taking a cutting that is 4-6 inches in length, using a sharp-edged garden shear or knife. The cutting should be taken from the semi-ripened shoots, which are generally found at the tips of branches. Place the cuttings into soil and mist lightly to aid them in rooting. Keep the soil moist, and the cuttings should root and establish themselves in a few weeks.

Can Azaleas grow indoors?

Yes, Azaleas can grow indoors with the proper care and environment. To keep your Azalea plant indoors you'll need to make sure that it has a spot with plenty of indirect sunlight, like near a window, to help it produce brightly colored flowers. The soil should also be kept evenly moist and well-drained, and the room should be kept at a temperature around 65°-75°F. With a bit of effort, an Azalea plant can thrive indoors and give you a stunning display of flowers every year.

Can Azalea survive in cold climates?

Azaleas can tolerate cold climates, but extreme temperatures can damage the plant. When temperatures dip below -6 °C (21 °F), most varieties of azaleas cannot survive. Protecting azaleas from the cold using covers, such as burlap, is one way to guard against harsh temperatures. Additionally, mulching around the base of the azaleas, using materials such as pine bark can also help protect the plants from the colder weather. When it gets too cold, move the azaleas inside, where temperatures are more controlled.

Can all azalea varieties bloom at the same time of the year?

No, all azalea varieties cannot bloom at the same time of the year. Each variety blooms during a specific time, with some blooming in the late winter and early spring, while others might bloom in late spring or early summer. Some azaleas, like evergreen azaleas, also have multiple blooming times throughout the year. Depending on the variety and climate, the best time for planting azaleas is usually in the late winter or early spring.

Is it necessary to mulch around azalea?

Yes, it is necessary to mulch around an azalea. Mulching an azalea will provide it with important nutrients and an overall healthier environment for the shrub. Mulch also helps reduce weeds, retains moisture, and regulates soil temperature. To ensure success, use a well-draining, organic mulch such as cypress or cedar, and apply it in a 4-6 inch layer. Make sure to keep the mulch away from the azalea’s stems to prevent rot. In addition, remember to check your mulch throughout the growing season and reapply when necessary.

Is it normal for azaleas to drop their leaves in the fall?

Yes, it is normal for azaleas to drop their leaves in the fall season. In Autumn, azaleas will naturally go through their life cycle and shed their leaves as part of the plant’s dormancy process. This is a natural part of the plant’s life cycle and should not be a cause for alarm. Shedding leaves is a normal defense that a plant uses to preserve energy and nutrients during times of adverse weather.