Azalea Tico Tico
Azalea Tico Tico is a compact evergreen azalea grown for its neat, mounded habit and reliable spring display. The blooms open from September and cover the plant in a dense flush that lasts several weeks. This azalea holds a tidy form through the year, making it useful beyond its flowering season. Mature size is typically around 0.6 to 1m high and wide.
Tico Tico suits a cottage garden, a Japanese-style planting, or a mixed shrub border. Use it in groups for a solid massed display, or plant single specimens to define a shaded corner. It also grows well in containers on a deck or patio. It pairs well with other azaleas and low-growing perennials.
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 positions that dry the roots.
Water regularly through the first summer and during any dry spells. Trim lightly after flowering to maintain shape. Like all azaleas and rhododendrons, Azalea Tico Tico 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 keep the plant compact and tidy. 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.
Fertilising: Feed in spring with a fertiliser formulated for azaleas, camellias, and rhododendrons. A second light feed after flowering helps support 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 in 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 the undersides of leaves regularly and treat early with a suitable spray or horticultural oil.
Disease Management: Good drainage and airflow prevent most problems. Avoid wet or heavy soil, which encourages Phytophthora root rot. Petal blight can occur in warm, humid conditions; remove and bin affected flowers. Clear fallen leaves and spent blooms to reduce fungal risk.
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- Urban delivery within mainland New Zealand: $19.95
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