Evergreen azaleas do well in partial shade with some wind protection. Trees provide the dapple shade needed for azaleas to grow successfully. Rhododendron 'Encore Autumn Embers'. Bloom Time. “August Beauty” gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides “August Beauty”) produces large white flowers with a sweet fragrance and stunning evergreen foliage. Plant azaleas and rhododendrons with the top of the root ball slightly above soil level. Since the flower coverage on azaleas encompasses the entire shrub, placing them in a background of conifers, such as pines, or other acid-loving plants will help set off their colors while minimizing their heavy effect. The summer leaves remain on the plant towards the top of the branches and is set closely together. Partial shade is best balance for azaleas to stimulate blooms and produce healthy foliage, without the leaves suffering from sunburn and the roots struggling with drought in full sun. Tulip poplars tolerates rabbits, deer and clay soil. English oak (Quercus robur) is a slow-growing deciduous tree reaching heights of up to 100 feet in zones 4 through 8. Noted for its abundant flowering, the quality of its foliage and its pleasant fall colors, Hamamelis x intermedia 'Pallida' is one of the most popular hybrid witch hazels and one of the finest winter-flowering shrubs. However, trees with dense foliage -- such as pines or maples -- will provide too much shade and could prevent the azaleas from flowering. Azaleas and boxwood shrubs will look good planted in front of hydrangeas. Partner azaleas in the garden with woodland perennials such as ferns, wild ginger (Asarum), Solomon’s seal (Polygonatum), hosta (Hosta), toad lily (Tricyrtis), and many others. Not only can they serve as the bones or structure of your garden, but also as a backdrop for your favorite colors of Encore® Azaleas. Azaleas naturally thrive at the edge of light pine woods. Each of these Southern Living® Plant Collection abelia varieties offers colorful variegated foliage that lasts all year. As the tree ages, the crown forms a rounded shape with deep green foliage that looks stunning in the fall months. Growing 6 feet or more at maturity, these azaleas are suited to large or estate lots. You can select your favorite blossom color since the azalea blooms will have faded before your hydrangea is flowering. Japanese Maples. Do not plant azaleas in heavy shade as poor flowering and weak growth result. Do you want spring flowers that complement the azalea and rhododendron blossoms? Most evergreen azaleas grow well here. Trees. Several cultivars of bigleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla) require a partially shaded location. Tulip poplars (Liriodendron tulipifera) -- also called tulip trees -- grow in zones 4 to 9 with a height of 60 to 90 feet. Encore® Azalea planting season is here, and garden centers are stocked to the hilt. Hardy, this medium to large, vase-shaped, deciduous shrub enjoys dense clusters of fragrant, frost-proof, bright sulphur-yellow flowers in mid- to late winter. Combine azaleas with other flowering shrubs. The elegant blooms of “August Beauty” look lovely in cut floral arrangements. Acidic Plants. Cleyera is another great evergreen shrub or small tree that would partner well in a garden with hollies, while serving as a companion to Encore Azaleas. Although azaleas aren’t well suited for South Florida, gardeners in the tropical regions of the state can try growing an azalea relative called the vireya rhododendron. “Belgian Hybrid Orange” bush lily (Clivia miniata “Belgian Hybrid Orange”) is a perennial evergreen that grows in zones 9 through 11 with full to partial shade. Information on the Christina Azalea Plant Origins Their lighting needs depend on the variety. Purple and white Encores, or a combination of both – plus the Sunbow® Azalea selections – are sure to bring out the cameras. Hollies are the workhorses of the landscape, and the Southern Living® Plant Collection features seven different varieties. What Grows Well With Azaleas? Each flower is lightly brushed with dark pink. Boxwoods and evergreen … Pink Moody Blues™ Veronica, Dark Moody Blues™ Veronica or Endurascape™ White Blush Verbena are three choices that will bloom heartily alongside your Encores from spring to fall. Texture or color will be unsurpassed if you partner your Encore® Azaleas with one of the carex from the EverColor® series. Glowing with white to light pink blooms in spring, these shrubs are a winning addition no matter your favorite Encore® color. Early morning sun exposure after a hard freeze may cause cold injury. Rhododendron x Gable Stewartstonian is one of the best known and most beautiful of the azaleas, but there are many varieties that feature a wide range of colors. ... 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