Azalea Dorothy Gish
Azalea Dorothy Gish is a compact evergreen azalea with a tidy, rounded habit and a reliable display of flowers in spring. The blooms open in dense clusters and cover the plant evenly, making it a dependable choice for season after season of colour. Mature size sits around 1 to 1.2m high and wide, keeping it well suited to smaller gardens and containers.
This azalea fits naturally into a cottage garden or a Japanese-style planting. It also holds its own in a mixed shrub border. Use it in groups for a solid massed display, or plant single specimens to add interest to a shaded corner. It pairs well with other azaleas, camellias, and shade-tolerant perennials.
Grow Dorothy Gish in part shade, or morning sun with afternoon shade. It prefers free-draining, acidic soil enriched with compost and organic matter. Mulch the root zone well to keep the shallow roots cool and retain moisture. Avoid exposed, dry positions where heat stress is likely.
Water consistently through the first summer and during dry spells in subsequent years. 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 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 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: Water consistently through the first summer to help the plant establish. In subsequent years, water deeply during dry spells. Mulch around the base to hold moisture and protect 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 insecticide or horticultural oil.
Disease Management: Free-draining soil and good airflow around the plant prevent most problems. Wet or heavy soil increases the risk of Phytophthora root rot. Watch for petal blight in humid conditions and clear fallen leaves and spent flowers to reduce fungal risk.
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.
