Azalea Apex Flame
Azalea Apex Flame is a compact evergreen azalea grown for its profuse spring flowering and tidy, rounded habit. The blooms open in a dense display across the whole plant, making it a reliable choice for consistent seasonal colour. Mature plants reach around 1 to 1.2m high and wide, which suits smaller spaces and container growing.
This azalea fits well into a cottage garden, a Japanese-style planting, or a mixed shrub border. Plant several together for a bold massed effect, or use a single specimen to bring colour to a sheltered corner. It also works well in a pot on a deck or patio where the spring display can be appreciated up close.
Grow Apex Flame in part shade, or in morning sun with afternoon shade. It prefers free-draining, acidic soil enriched with organic matter. Work compost through the bed at planting and apply a layer of mulch to keep the shallow roots cool and moist. Avoid hot, exposed positions.
Water regularly through the first summer and during dry spells in subsequent years. Trim lightly after flowering to keep the plant shapely. Like all azaleas, this plant is toxic to cats, dogs, and horses if eaten, so take care in households with pets.
Trimming: Trim lightly straight after flowering in late spring to keep the plant compact and well shaped. Azaleas flower on old wood, so avoid cutting back hard. Remove any dead or crossing stems at the same time.
Deadheading: Deadheading is not essential. You can remove spent blooms by hand to tidy the plant after flowering, but leaving them does no harm to the plant.
Fertilising: Feed in spring with a fertiliser formulated for azaleas, camellias, and rhododendrons. A light second application after flowering supports strong new growth. Avoid over-feeding, as the shallow roots are sensitive.
Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist through the growing season, never waterlogged. Water deeply during summer and in dry spells. A mulch layer over the root zone holds moisture and moderates soil temperature.
Pest Control: Watch for aphids, thrips, two-spotted mite, and scale insects. Check leaf undersides regularly and treat early with a suitable spray or horticultural oil to prevent populations building up.
Disease Management: Free-draining soil, good airflow, and clearing fallen leaves and spent flowers prevent most problems. Avoid wet or heavy soil, which raises the risk of Phytophthora root rot. In still, humid conditions watch for powdery mildew and improve air circulation around the plant. Pale swollen leaf galls caused by Exobasidium can appear occasionally; pick them off and bin them.
Enjoy complimentary delivery anywhere in mainland New Zealand when you purchase plants worth $250 or more*.
For orders below $250, the following flat-rate delivery charges are applicable:
- Urban delivery within mainland New Zealand: $19.95
- Rural delivery within mainland New Zealand: $39.95
- Waiheke, Chatham and Great Barrier Islands: Please contact us for shipping options.
We aim to have all orders shipped within 14 days from the order date, unless a different shipping date is specified alongside a product.
