Companion Plants for Azaleas – Guide to the 20 Best Picks
- 1. Dogwood Trees Dogwood trees are part of a group of deciduous trees and shrubs. ...
- 2. Coral Bells Heucheras are known for their neat low mounds of foliage in exciting colors. ...
- 3. Soapwort Soapwort is a perennial plant with upright stems carrying oval leaves and blooms with clusters of fragrant pale-pink or white flowers. ...
- 4. Hostas ...
- 5. Mountain Laurel ...
- 6. Columbines ...
- 7. Boxwoods ...
- 8. Hydrangeas ...
What plants go best with azalea bushes?
What plants go well with azaleas? Interplant azaleas with a selection of native and non-native shrubs and perennials. Partner azaleas in the garden with woodland perennials such as ferns, wild ginger (Asarum), Solomon's seal (Polygonatum), hosta (Hosta), toad lily (Tricyrtis), and many others. Combine azaleas with other flowering shrubs.
How far apart should I plant dwarf azaleas?
They can grow to different heights and width as follows:
- Plants under 3 feet tall – space the plants at least 2 feet apart
- Plants that can grow up to 3 to 5 feet tall – Leave at least 2 to 3 feet between each plant
- 8 to 10 feet tall plants – Give them at least 4 t 6 feet of spacing
What grows well with azaleas?
What grows well with Encore azaleas?
- If your landscape is a blank canvas, then consider choosing dark green evergreens.
- Cleyera is another great evergreen shrub or small tree that would partner well in a garden with hollies, while serving as a companion to Encore Azaleas.
- Variegated foliage artfully creates different textures in your garden.
What is good to put on azaleas?
There are four situations in which you should definitely use fertilizer for your Azaleas:
- Your Azaleas are suffering from a nutrient deficiency.
- You know that your soil quality is poor.
- Your Azaleas are growing in containers.
- You are an experienced gardener who wants to take the time to figure out what nutrients your soil is missing and calculate what amounts of fertilizers would benefit your Azaleas.
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What is good ground cover for azaleas?
Ornamental grasses are super easy to grow and offer great texture and strong contrast to azaleas. They also tolerate a pretty wide range of soil pH including acidic. I love Maiden Grass (miscanthus), Pink Muhly Grass, and Shenandoah Switchgrass. Most ferns, hostas, and heuchera plants work great with azaleas.
What grows well with azaleas in full sun?
Our Suggestions for Plants to Pair With Your AzaleasRhododendron (zones 4-8; blooms in spring)Hydrangea (zones 3-9; blooms all summer)Kalmias, such as Mountain Laurel, Sheep Laurel, Alpine Azalea (zones 4-9; blooms in late spring)Pieris Japonica, also called Japanese Andromeda (zones 5-8; blooms in early spring)More items...
Can I plant hydrangeas with azaleas?
Shrubs To Plant With Hydrangeas Azaleas, hollies, yews, mahonia, gardenia, loropetalum and boxwood shrubs will look good planted in front of hydrangeas. Azaleas blossoms will provide early color. You can select your favorite blossom color since the azalea blooms will have faded before your hydrangea is flowering.
How many azaleas can you plant together?
So, here's a quick guide: if the mature spread of your azalea is 3 feet, then set your azaleas in the ground 3-feet-apart on center. This will allow your azaleas to touch and form a formal hedge at maturity. If you prefer a mounded natural look with space between plants, then consider 4- to 5-foot spacing on center.
Can I plant lavender with azaleas?
Azaleas color the garden but sometimes they need other plants to help them grow or flowers to fill the spaces near them. These plants are called companion plants. Plants that you should avoid growing with azaleas are Black Walnut trees and Lavender.
What happens if azaleas get too much sun?
Azaleas do not tolerate full sun in most climates and prefer partial shade with some morning sun. Partial sun encourages strong blooms but too much sun will burn the tender leaves and often leads to drought.
Where should you not plant hydrangeas?
15 hours agoWhere to plant hydrangeas:The best location is one that receives morning sun and afternoon shade. ... Consider mature size, give it plenty of room to grow.Choose an area with excellent drainage. ... Don't plant beneath a tree—the root competition and lack of sunlight will prevent them from thriving.More items...•
What can I plant with azaleas and Rhododendrons?
Among the most popular companion plants for Rhododendrons and Azaleas are Kalmia latifolia (Mountain Laurel) and Pieris japonica (Japanese andromeda). Both species are medium-size evergreen shrubs with great flower interest and they provide a textural contrast to Azaleas and Rhododendrons.
Can you plant azaleas and camellias together?
Healthy Camellia Plant Companions When it comes to choosing camellia plant companions, consider plants such as hostas, rhododendrons, ferns, or azaleas.
What happens if you plant azaleas too close together?
Poor budding is one of the main signs that your azaleas are planted too close together. Sunlight, water, and nutrients are ingredients that help your plant produce beautiful flowers, and when planted too closely the root systems will compete for these ingredients which cause poor flowering.
Can azaleas spread?
Plants have a compact growth habit. Mature heights are between two and four feet, with a spread of one to four feet. This makes them ideal for planting in mixed beds, borders, containers, and rockeries.
Where is the best place to plant a azalea?
Where to Plant Azaleas. Select a location that has morning sun and afternoon shade, or filtered light. Hot all-day sun can stress the plants and make them more susceptible to pests. Azaleas also require well-drained, acidic soil.
Can I plant azaleas in full sun?
Azaleas do well in full sun or part shade (about four hours of sun). Planted in full sun, azaleas will be more compact and floriferous. When planted in part shade, they will stretch toward the sunlight and form a more graceful habit; flowers will not be as plentiful but will last longer.
Where is the best place to plant a azalea?
Where to Plant Azaleas. Select a location that has morning sun and afternoon shade, or filtered light. Hot all-day sun can stress the plants and make them more susceptible to pests. Azaleas also require well-drained, acidic soil.
Do azaleas and roses grow well together?
Many shrubs are unsuitable because they will be too competitive for the nutrients, space, and water. For example, you should avoid hibiscus and azaleas because they will crowd your roses and rob them of the nutrients and water they need.
Can you plant lilies with azaleas?
Good shrub companions for lilies are: Roses. Azalea.
what to plant with encore azaleas?
Encouraging a plant to flower is the first step to successful gardening with azaleas. The next steps in this process include planting the right kind of soil and preparing the ground before putting in the azaleas. Selecting an appropriate location is also important when planting with azaleas because they will not thrive in certain climates.
Can you plant azaleas and hydrangeas together?
Yes, hydrangeas and azaleas can be planted together. The key to success is to make sure that the individual plants are in different stages of growth.
What can I plant next to rhododendrons?
Rhododendrons are typically found in moist areas, but some can be found in dry and acidic soil. Plant it with other evergreen shrubs like azaleas, forsythia, and viburnum. Avoid planting rhododendrons near trees or other shrubs that might shade the plant.
When can I plant azaleas?
Azaleas are best planted in the late winter or early spring when they have had enough time to establish themselves and get their root systems established. They will grow better if they are not planted too early, as they may be injured by frost.
How do you use azaleas in the landscape in the front house?
You can use azaleas in the landscape by planting them in a border, container, or as an accent plant . Azaleas are also used as ground cover and for naturalizing areas.
Where do azaleas grow in sun or shade?
Azaleas need full sun in order to thrive. They can be grown in partial shade but they will not thrive as well.
What pairs well with azalea bushes?
Some possible flower choices include lavender, daffodils, tulips, roses, and lilies.
What plants are good for spring?
Since most Rhododendrons and Azaleas provide colorful interest in spring, choose companion plants with fall and winter interest such as: Hamamellis species ( Witchhazel ), Clethra alnifolia ( Summersweet ), Berberis koreana or thunbergii ( Barberry ). Don't limit yourself by considering trees and shrub species as the only adequate companions ...
What are some good flowers to plant in spring?
Azaleas and Rhododendrons, with their beautiful flowers, are one of the best-loved sights of spring. Producing a blaze of color, these popular ornamental shrubs are, however showy for only a relatively short season when in bloom. Their spectacular display can be extended by selecting species or cultivars with different blooming times or by planting companion plants for greater diversity.
What are some good companion plants for rhododendrons?
Among the most popular companion plants for Rhododendrons and Azaleas are Kalmia latifolia ( Mountain Laurel) and Pieris japonica ( Japanese andromeda). Both species are medium-size evergreen shrubs with great flower interest and they provide a textural contrast to Azaleas and Rhododendrons. Since most Rhododendrons and Azaleas provide colorful ...
What shrubs are good for a fall color?
Create appealing and long-lasting planting combinations with your Azaleas and Rhododendrons. These evergreen or deciduous shrubs are famed for their showy fall color, persistent showy berries or provide attractive textural contrast.
What plants have winter color?
Winter color can also be provided by perennials and bulbs such as Hellebores, Narcissus ( Daffodil ), Galanthus ( Snowdrop ). Hosta is another group of plants offering an enormous diversity of foliage color, shape, size, texture, and plant habit. Ferns are a group with a great variety of height, texture, and color whose arching, ...
What are some good plants to grow with ferns?
Ferns are a group with a great variety of height, texture, and color whose arching, graceful fronds create pretty combinations with Rhododendrons and Azaleas.
Can rhododendrons be grown with other plants?
Azaleas and Rhododendrons are not difficult to grow but have special cultural requirements , which make them more difficult to pair with other plants.
What to grow in front of and around the white azaleas?
Here's a couple of pics of my azalea bed. To me it's sparse - pretty much just azaleas (and a few things I stuck in there because I had nowhere else - use them or tell me to move them, I'm fine with either.)
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What about some hellebores, hostas, ferns, maybe a hydrangea??? For some annuals, what about some impatiens or petunias? To me, I think you need some layers! Good luck!
What are some good landscape plants?
Image by compuinfoto. Rhododendrons and azaleas make beautiful landscape plants. Their abundance of spring blossoms and distinctive foliage have made these shrubs popular choices among home gardeners. However, both of these plants require very specific growing conditions.
What trees grow well with azaleas?
Rhododendrons and azaleas can often be found growing under the canopy of oaks or in the shade of pine . These trees also prefer acidic soils, making them ideal companions for azaleas and rhododendron. If you prefer smaller plant species, like flowers and shrubs, choose companion plants that prefer partial shade.
What is the best pH for azaleas?
When choosing rhododendron and azalea companion plants, look for those that can tolerate a pH between 4.5 and 6. Additionally, both of these shrubs prefer filtered light or afternoon shade.
What plants have arrowhead leaves?
Caladiums contribute various hues of red, pink, and white with their stunning arrowhead shaped leaves. Ferns add woodland charm with their form and leaf texture. Plant shorter and taller species to fill in empty spaces in front and between shrubs. Hostas are invaluable accents to the perennial shade garden.
Do rhododendrons have foliage?
Both azaleas and rhododendrons have attractive foliage that adds to the flowerbed’s appeal long after their spring blossoms have fallen. Consider choosing companions that have complementary leaf shapes, textures, and colors. Some ideas include:
Azalea Care Guide: How to plant, grow, and care for azaleas
It’s difficult to think of a southern garden without envisioning azaleas graciously and vibrantly sweeping through the background. They are arguably one of the most popular ornamental shrubs in the South, along with our beloved hydrangeas. But azaleas aren’t just for Southerners to enjoy.
1. Azalea vs. Rhododendron: What's the difference?
Sometimes people get confused about the difference between an azalea and a rhododendron. That’s because an azalea is always a rhododendron, but a rhododendron is not necessarily an azalea. The confusion really lies with how they are named—specifically, their common names.
2. How to use azaleas in garden design
Azaleas are really a utility player in the garden. They provide both striking beauty when they are in bloom as well as a very reliable evergreen backdrop to help other plants shine throughout the year. Because of the many varieties available to choose from, you can probably find an azalea that meets almost any of your ornamental shrub design needs.
3. Where, when, and how to plant azaleas
Azaleas are an extremely hardy shrub. In fact, I include them on my list of “bullet-proof plants” when talking to clients. But there are certainly things you can do to ensure a happier and healthier plant. Here are a few things to keep in mind from the get-go.
4. How to water, mulch, and fertilize azaleas
Once you have your azaleas in the ground make sure to give them what they need to thrive going forward.
5. When, why, and how to prune azaleas
If you’re looking to keep your azaleas their happiest … and you too (i.e., more flowers and less maintenance), it’s critical to understand when, why, and how to prune them.
6. Common Azalea Questions or Challenges
You shouldn’t have many problems if you care for your azaleas as outlined above. They are extremely hardy and easy to take care of. However, as with all plants, you could run into a number of problems or have some questions about their health. The questions that my clients ask me about most are outlined below.
What to do with azaleas in spring?
Underplant azaleas with spring bulbs. Make the most out of seasonal moments in your garden. Pair spring-blooming azaleas with daffodils ( Narcissus) that flower at the same time; yellow daffodils will enliven the scene, while white varieties with peach-colored corollas harmonize with many color schemes.
What to plant with azaleas?
Interplant azaleas with a selection of native and non-native shrubs and perennials. Partner azaleas in the garden with woodland perennials such as ferns, wild ginger ( Asarum ), Solomon’s seal ( Polygonatum ), hosta ( Hosta ), toad lily ( Tricyrtis ), and many others.
Can I plant azaleas with other shrubs?
Combine azaleas with other flowering shrubs. Extend the flowering season and experiment with texture and foliage by combining azaleas with other attractive shrubs. The oak-leaf hydrangea ( Hydrangea quercifolia) makes a natural choice, thriving in part shade and providing interest with its broad, oak-leaf foliage and late season flowers. Large fothergilla ( Fothergilla major) blends well with large native azaleas, while the dwarf fothergilla ( Fothergilla gardenii) complements smaller cultivated varieties.
Do azaleas flower sequentially?
I have visited gardens where azaleas are effectively planted so that they flower sequentially; as one azalea fades its neighbor opens, providing color for extended periods. Or, weave a tapestry by planting groups of azaleas that flower at the same time. When working with color in your garden, do not mix too many bright colors together.
When do azaleas curve?
Curves in garden beds can be accentuated in the spring with the bright burst of color. Evergreen azaleas add year-round structure to the garden, providing a solid framework when not in flower. Deciduous azaleas generally have a graceful habit and add a structural component throughout the season.
When do flame azaleas bloom?
The native flame azalea ( Rhododendron calendulaceum) flowers in late May to early June in a variety of shades from fiery red-orange to yellow-orange (as the name would suggest). Specimens can reach up to 12 feet tall and 5 feet wide and rival any large Viburnum in the garden.
Is azalea a deciduous plant?
Evergreen azaleas provide year-round interest while deciduous azaleas often offer multi -seasonal appeal and lovely fall foliage. Azaleas are slow growing; many of them, save some of the larger deciduous natives, make good candidates for foundation plantings. By following a few simple rules, it is easy to design effectively with azaleas.
