Deciduous Azalea

I have two deciduous Azaleas in the Moosey Garden, both of which flower late in spring. They are modest in size, and almost hidden in the mixed plantings around them. I suspect both are Ilam hybrids - azaleas bred in Canterbury, New Zealand.

On a recent visit to the Ilam gardens, where these azaleas are bred and grown, I found examples of both Moosey azaleas. The shrubs in the botanic gardens were rather more splendid than mine though! It made me think about mass planting - fabulous interest while in the flowering season. My own shrubberies are much more of a mixed bag - though in late spring everything seems to erupt into flower at once.

Deciduous azaleas would make a nice semi-woodland planting en masse, though - particularly the fiery flame coloured hybrids.