Azalea Cliffs Choice
Azalea Cliffs Choice is a compact evergreen azalea bearing hose-in-hose flowers in light coral pink with muted white. The hose-in-hose form means each bloom is doubled, with one flower sitting inside another, giving the display extra depth and body. Flowers open in spring and cover the plant densely. Mature size is around 0.8 to 1m high and wide, making this azalea well suited to smaller spaces.
This azalea fits naturally into a cottage garden or a Japanese-style planting. It works well massed in a shaded border for a strong seasonal display, or planted alongside white and soft pink azaleas to play up the coral tones. It also performs reliably in containers on a sheltered deck or patio.
Grow Cliffs Choice in part shade or morning sun with afternoon shade. It prefers free-draining, acidic soil enriched with compost. Mulch around the base to keep the shallow roots cool and moist. Avoid hot, exposed positions and poorly drained ground.
Trim lightly after flowering and water consistently through dry spells. Feed in spring with an azalea and camellia fertiliser. Like all azaleas and rhododendrons, this plant is toxic to cats, dogs, and horses if eaten, so take care in pet households.
Trimming: Trim lightly straight after flowering in late spring to maintain a tidy, compact shape. 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 keep the plant looking neat, but leaving them does no harm.
Fertilising: Feed in spring with a fertiliser formulated for azaleas, camellias, and rhododendrons. A light second application after flowering supports healthy new growth. Avoid over-feeding, as the roots are shallow and sensitive.
Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist through the growing season, never waterlogged. Water deeply during summer and in any dry spell. Mulch helps retain moisture and protects the shallow root zone.
Pest Control: Watch for aphids, thrips, two-spotted mite, and scale insects. Check the undersides of leaves regularly and treat early with a suitable spray or horticultural oil.
Disease Management: Free-draining soil and good airflow prevent most problems. Wet or heavy soil increases the risk of Phytophthora root rot. In humid conditions, powdery mildew can appear on foliage. Clear fallen leaves and spent flowers to reduce fungal risk. Watch for leaf gall, which shows as pale swollen patches on leaves; pick off affected growth and bin it.
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.
