Azalea Easter Bonnet
Azalea Easter Bonnet is a compact evergreen azalea grown for its generous spring display and tidy, rounded habit. The soft lavender-pink blooms open in abundance from September, covering the plant in layers of colour that last several weeks. This is a reliable, free-flowering azalea that suits smaller gardens without outgrowing its space. Mature plants reach around 0.6 to 1m high and wide.
This azalea fits well into a cottage garden, a Japanese-style planting, or a sheltered mixed border. Plant several together for a massed display, or use a single plant to anchor a shaded bed. It also does well in a large container on a deck or patio, where the spring flowering can be enjoyed up close.
Grow Azalea Easter Bonnet in part shade or morning sun with afternoon shade. It needs free-draining, acidic soil enriched with compost. Mulch around the base to keep the shallow roots cool and retain moisture. Avoid exposed, hot positions, which can stress the plant and shorten flowering.
Water regularly through the first summer and during dry spells. Trim lightly after flowering to keep the shape compact. 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, rounded 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 neaten the plant after flowering, but leaving them in place does no harm.
Fertilising: Feed in spring with a fertiliser formulated for azaleas, camellias, and rhododendrons. A second light feed after flowering encourages healthy new growth. Avoid over-feeding, as the roots are shallow and sensitive.
Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist but never waterlogged. Water deeply through summer and during any dry periods. 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 leaf undersides regularly and treat early with a suitable spray or horticultural oil if numbers build.
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. Clear fallen leaves and spent flowers to reduce the chance of fungal issues such as petal blight.
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.
