HARDY AZALEAS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 11 September 1940, Page 9

HARDY AZALEAS

DO BEST ON LEVEL GROUND. It is impossible to over-estimate the value of hardy azaleas. In their season of bloom they convert the borders or beds into a sheet of delicate colour, , and are quite as effective as the rhododendron. They like a well-drained position, but at the same time need : plenty of moisture at the roots. At one time it was considered right to grow them on a slope, and the result often was that during a spell of drought it was impossible to keep the roots moist, with the result that the leaves dropped, the plants lost vigour, the buds fell off, and the young growth was too small and weak to be of any use. Undoubtedly they do better on level ground where the roots can be more easily kept moist. The ground must be thoroughly prepared. The plants will not succeed by merely digging a hole in a bed or border. Trench the whole of the ground, leaving the subsoil below, but at the same time break it up. No manure should be put in, but add plenty of peat, leaf soil, and sand if the soil is heavy or of a clayey nature. , On the whole, azaleas are somewhat slow growing and take some years before they become specimens Bft or 9ft in circumference. A sufficient distance between each plant will be 3ft 6in. In large gardens they look very well when planted in groups of six or so, each group of one variety. Plant when the soil is in a moist condition as it requires to be well firmed round the roots.