Botanical Name: Rhododendron 'Magenta'
Common Name: Azalea 'Magenta'

 

Use: Outdoors
Indigenous/Exotic : Exotic
Evergreen/Deciduous : Evergreen
Plant Type : Shrub
Flower Colour : Magenta to purple red
Foliage Colour : Green
Best Season : Spring
Light : Semi-shade - sun
Hardiness : Hardy
Attributes :
Height (m) : 3m+
Spread (m) :
    
Rhododendron 'Magenta' is a Southern Indica hybrid. Quick growing with a spreading growth habit. Bears large, single flowers magenta to purple red in colour. The foliage is covered with light brown hairs. Very versatile as it is tolerant of most climatic conditions. Ideal grown as an informal hedge or surrounding the boundary of a property. Also suitable for growing in containers. Will tolerate more sun than most other types of Azaleas.

 

Notes : One of the most colourful and free-flowering of the evergreen shrubs. It's a member of the Rhododendron genus, but it is much better suited to South African conditions than its large-leaved, large-flowered cousin.

 

Position
Azaleas are shade loving and require semi-shade. Morning sun is preferable to afternoon sun - light filtered shade being ideal. They do particularly well under deciduous trees, for they welcome the warmth of the sun in winter when developing their buds, and then as the tree's leaves return the plants are sheltered from the heat of the blazing sun. In cool, moist conditions, Azaleas can be grown in sunny positions. Containers do well on patios.

 

Soil
An acid, well drained humus soil is required with a pH of between 4.5 - 5.5. Heavy clay soils require improvement. A good rule is to improve the planting site by using organic matter in the form of well-rotted acid compost, peat moss (the imported brands are preferable) and leaf mould.

 

Planting
Azaleas can be planted at any time of the year. Prepare a garden bed by digging in organic matter. This is best done about a week before planting to let the soil settle down and "mature". Dig the planting hole to twice the size of the container. Carefully tap out the plant from the container - be careful not to disturb the rootball and plant it so that it finishes at the same depth as it was in the original container. Fill the hole around the plant to half depth and firm down. Water well. Finally backfill with garden soil mixed with compost and press down firmly.

 

Watering
Soil should be moist at all times but not wet and soggy. Do not over water. Azaleas are surface rooters and if you water a little and often, it will cause the roots to come closer to the surface and dry out. It is better to water less often and deeply. Ample water, is however, an important factor in keeping the plants happy, particularly when they start making their buds at the end of autumn and through to the end of their flowering period, as well as in summer when it is hot and dry. Leaf drop and droopy leaves are usually caused by too little water.

 

Fertilising
Plant with superphosphate and use again two months after planting. During the growing season, fertilise with 2:3:2 fertiliser, well rotted kraal manure, or an organic or sea-weed based liquid fertiliser. Regular feeding is vitally important.

 

Mulching
Because of the shallow root system, mulching is essential to stop the plants from drying out. A light mulch of peat moss, acid compost or well rotted kraal manure with leaf mould is beneficial. Well rotted pine needles can also be used. Remember not to disturb the soil around the plant due to the shallow root system.

 

Pruning
After flowering, prune undesirable branches and tips. This serves to neaten the appearance of the bush and encourages a compact, bushy growth habit with numerous terminal growing tips. Each one of these will produce a flower bud for the following spring season. This practice ensures constantly good blooming performances year after year. Old woody plants will benefit from a severe pruning during late spring, immediately after flowering. Within a few short years, the plant would have regrown into a healthy specimen.

 

Pest and Disease Control
Azaleas are hardy plants and reasonably free of pests. Red Spider, Thrips and Lace Bugs are the most common, but can be controlled by using any of a number of available pesticides. Petal Blight and Black Spot can also be controlled in this way.

 

If in spite of the acidity of the soil being maintained by applying regular mulches, the leaves are found to be turning yellow, it usually means there is a lack of certain trace elements in the soil and the plant should be fed with Iron Chelate or Trelmix - a trace element mixture. Or else it is being over or under watered. Browning at the tips is generally caused by too much water too frequently.

 

Container Planting
Most Azaleas grow well in containers. The secret is to plant them in a good acid compost and potting mix. Never allow to dry out. Don't over water specially in winter and don't overplant - it will cause root rot. They make a marvellous show and can be brought indoors at flowering time for closer enjoyment!