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Azalea & Rhododendron

Would Azaleas look good here?

18 years ago

What should I plant behind these bushes? I'm posting in a couple of forums because I'm not sure what I really need...I've thought about putting up a trellis (about five ft. high or so) and putting red climbing roses. Or, just planting red-tip photinias and shearing them like a hedge. Or, an akebia vine...What do you think? The bed is a mix of dwarf yaupons, dwarf loropetalum (YES! I did find such a thing in a local nursery--they were brand new and I got the only two they had!), and crimson pygmy barberry. I also have one pocomoke crape myrtle on each side.

Now that I've been researching Azaleas, though, I'm thinking they might look really good. In particular I like the Stewartson...Or, I'm open to suggestions. Do you think Azaleas would look good there? I have none in my landscape right now.

My husband has forbidden me to move the two tall yaupons. Poop on him.

Any and all suggestions are welcome.

Thanks!

Rachel

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Comments (5)

rachel77
Original Author
18 years ago
Sorry, forgot the link!

Here is a link that might be useful: Front garden
luis_pr
18 years ago
Hello, Rachel77. I could not tell where in Texas you are located so I am not sure if my comments apply well to your situation. The reason for checking was that, in East Texas, the soil is naturally acidic so you can basically grow many types of Azaleas easily. However, if you are in the center or western parts of the state, you will have to ammend the soil heavily because azaleas will require acidic soil and because our soil is so bad. Raised beds are called for in these parts provided you do not want to have azaleas lasting for a few months only.

Among the recommended varities for MY area are the Kurume Group: Snow-White, Hino-Crimson, Hinodegiri (rose red), Coral Bells (pink), Christmas Cheer (opal red), and the Southern Indicas: Formosa (magenta), Judge Solomon (watermelon Pink), George Tabor (orchid, lavender, magenta botch), Mrs, G.C. Gerbing (white).

Other things to consider... regarding roses, they need a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight or they will grow but not thrive. If you plan to grow them there, that would call for some varities that can withstand shade... like Altissimo, Tuscany, Dortmund, Souvenir du Doctor Jamain. Those are "more" shade tolerant. Research to see if any of those has a climbing variety (Altissimo does for sure).

Red-tip photinias are very susceptible to fungal infections so they require special care when watering. I have had to remove some of mine because the leaf spot problem was very bad. But other than that, they are low maintenance.

Chinese Fringe Flowers (a.k.a, loropetalum) have varities that can get very big. I cannot tell which variety you have so, I would recommend choosing an azalea or rose that will grow taller than the loropetalum is supposed to grow.
Good luck!
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jaime0715
18 years ago
what type of pink azalea will survive a michigan winter????outside detroit area. thanks for any info
luis_pr
18 years ago
Review some of the Exbury, Great Lakes and Northern Lights Hybrids like Cannon's Double (white/pinkish), Elsie Lee, Homebush, Girard's Pink Dawn, Strawberry Ice
jaime0715
18 years ago
thanks luis pr---i have been searching for a type of azalea that will with stand the michigan winter---we are good about winterizing the plants, but no matter what you do this is Michigan and there is no telling what it will bring

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