Azalea Show Girl
Azalea Show Girl is a compact evergreen azalea grown for its abundant spring flowers and tidy, rounded habit. The blooms are generous and cover the plant in a dense display from around September through October. This is a reliable, free-flowering azalea that holds its shape well from year to year. Mature size reaches approximately 1 to 1.2m high and wide.
Show Girl suits a cottage garden, a Japanese-style planting, or a mixed shrub border. Use it in groups for a massed effect, or as a single plant to anchor a shaded bed. It also does well in containers on a deck or patio, and pairs naturally with other azaleas and companion shrubs such as camellias.
Grow this azalea 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, or dry positions.
Water regularly through the first summer and during dry spells in subsequent years. Trim lightly after flowering to maintain shape. Like all azaleas and rhododendrons, Azalea Show Girl is toxic to cats, dogs, and horses if eaten, so it requires care in pet households.
Trimming: Trim lightly straight after flowering in late spring to shape the plant and keep it compact. 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, but leaving them does no harm and the plant will perform well either way.
Fertilising: Feed in spring with a fertiliser formulated for azaleas, camellias, and rhododendrons. A light second application after flowering supports new growth. Avoid over-feeding, as the roots are shallow and sensitive.
Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist, never waterlogged. Water deeply through summer and during 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 leaf undersides regularly and treat early with a suitable spray or horticultural oil if numbers build.
Disease Management: Good drainage and air flow prevent most problems. Wet or heavy soil invites Phytophthora root rot, so keep drainage sharp. Clear fallen leaves to reduce fungal risk. In still, humid conditions, watch for powdery mildew and improve airflow where possible.
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.
