Azalea Constance
Azalea Constance is a compact evergreen azalea grown for its neat, rounded habit and reliable spring flowering. The blooms appear in abundance from September and create a dense, even display across the plant. This is a well-mannered azalea that maintains a tidy shape with minimal effort, reaching around 1 to 1.2m high and wide at maturity.
This azalea suits a cottage garden, a Japanese-style planting, or a mixed shrub border. Use it in small groups to create a massed effect, or grow it as a single specimen to bring seasonal interest to a shaded corner. It also performs well in containers on a deck or patio, where its compact form is an asset.
Grow Azalea Constance in part shade or morning sun with afternoon shade. It needs free-draining, acidic soil enriched with organic matter. Work compost through the planting area and apply a layer of mulch to keep the shallow roots cool and moist. Avoid exposed, dry positions.
Water regularly through the first summer and during dry spells thereafter. Like all azaleas and rhododendrons, 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 maintain a compact, rounded shape. Azaleas flower on old wood, so avoid cutting back hard. Remove any dead, weak, or crossing stems at the same time.
Deadheading: Deadheading is not essential. You can remove spent blooms by hand to tidy the plant, but leaving them does no harm and the plant will move on naturally.
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 shallow roots are sensitive to excess nutrients.
Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist but never waterlogged. Water deeply through summer and during any dry spells. A layer of mulch helps retain moisture and protects the shallow root system.
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 if numbers build up.
Disease Management: Maintain free-draining soil and good airflow around the plant to prevent most problems. Wet or heavy soil increases the risk of Phytophthora root rot. Clear fallen leaves and spent flowers regularly. In warm, still, humid conditions, watch for powdery mildew and improve airflow where possible. Check for leaf gall, which appears as pale, swollen growth on leaves; pick off affected parts and dispose of them in the bin.
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.
