Millais Nurseries
Azaleas
There are two distinct types of Azaleas. Evergreen Azaleas, (sometimes called Japanese azaleas) keep their leaves in winter, and typically grow to 40-80cm (18"-30") in 10 years. Deciduous Azaleas are taller, reaching 120-150cm (4'-5') in 10 years, and lose their leaves in the autumn, often with some wonderful colours first. Both are members of the Rhododendron family.
Deciduous Azaleas originate from Turkey, America and Asiatic areas such as Japan and Taiwan. The yellow luteum from Turkey is as hardy and as popular as ever with its scented flowers, while the American species are more subtle and extend the flowering season into the summer. The Asiatic species are more delicate in habit and in flower, and all the more beautiful too. Best in partial shade, and perfect at the edge of woodland.
The plant collector E H Wilson introduced his famous Wilson’s 50 Evergreen Azaleas in 1920 having selected the best 50 Kurume azaleas from Japan. Since then, numerous hybrids have been bred around the world, some them not hardy enough for British conditions. We have selected good performers for a spectacular show every May.
Azaleodendron Gowenianum
This rare hybrid between a rhododendron and a deciduous azalea dates from before 1825. Strongly scented light purple star shaped flowers appear in early June. The leaves are usually evergreen during most winters. Height 120cm in 10 years.
Recommended for pretty scented flowers.
Easy to grow.
Group: Azaleodendron.
Parentage: periclymenoides or viscosum (s) X catawbiense x ponticum.
Hybridization...
Deciduous Azalea Anneke
Large brilliant yellow flowers with vivid yellow spotting. The flowers are 80 to 100mm wide, 9 in each truss. Another of our favourites, this is a beautifully scented cultivar raised by Denny Pratt flowering in May-June. Height 140-160cm in 10 years. Requires a fairly sunny position.
This plant was selected as outstanding by a well-known Dutch nurseryman, Fred de Jong, and named after his daughter...
Deciduous Azalea Cannon's Double AGM
Deep pink in bud, Cannons Double opens to stunning double light apricot pink flowers with a darker reddish pink shading on the outer petals. The flowers are up to 65mm across in trusses of 7 or 8 that flower late May and early June. It has excellent autumn foliage. Height 150cm in 10 years.
Ideal for outstanding autumn foliage.
Easy to grow.
Group: Deciduous Azalea (Exbury hybrid).
Parentage:...
Deciduous Azalea Doloroso
(H6) Vivid orange-red flowers, with a paler dorsal lobe and frilly edging. Late May-early June. Flowers do not fade in sun but will last longer when dappled. Compact habit. Height 125-150cm in 10 years.
Ideal for mixed borders.
Easy to grow.
Group:Deciduous Azalea.
Parentage: Knap Hill Red x Knighthood X Cecile x Gibraltar.
Hybridization date: pre 2000 (1971), Registered 1988
Bred by: Hans...
Deciduous Azalea Fireball AGM
Stunning large deep red flowers with yellow stamens flowering in May - June. This deciduous azalea has fantastic reddish foliage, especially in autumn. Height 150-180cm in 10 years.
Recommended for wonderful foliage.
Easy to grow.
Group:Deciduous Azalea (Exbury hybrid).
Parentage: 'Scarlet Pimpernel' X 'Favor Major'
Hybridization date: pre 2000 (1951).
Bred by: E. de Rothschild. Origin: British.
Habit:...
Deciduous Azalea Fraseri
Unusual free flowering small purple pink flowers in May. An historic low shrub of twiggly habit raised in 1912 by George Fraser in British Columbia. This is an extremely tough variety. Height 100-125cm in 10 years.
Recommended for interesting purple flowers.
Easy to grow.
Group:Deciduous Azalea (hybrid).
Parentage: canadense X molle subsp. japonicum.
Hybridization date: pre 1950 (1912).
Bred...
Deciduous Azalea Golden Sunset AGM
Lovely orange red buds open to light yellow flowers that are tinged orange, with an orange flare in the throat. Large flowers up to 65mm across in a truss of 30 flowers, appearing in late May. This plant has light green foliage slightly tinged bronze with good autumn colours. Best in a sunny position with light shade. Height 150cm in 10 years.Raised by Exbury and sold to Waterer's Nursery who introduced...
Deciduous Azalea Hanger's Flame
Wonderfully bright dazzling orange flowers with a slightly more golden blotch on the upper lobes, in May-June. Later flowering than some others, and lightly scented, which is rare for an orange variety.
This was raised by Francis Hanger and was planted out by John Slocock in a collection of Hanger azaleas at Charles Hill Nurseries and code-named FH8. Here it was spotted by Ted Millais who planted...
Deciduous Azalea Homebush AGM
Extremely attractive double deep carmine pink flowers in a ball-shaped pompom-like truss 30mm across. Flowering May - June this deciduous azalea has good autumn colour. Height 120-150cm in 10 years. Requires a fairly sunny position.
Recommended for attractive flowers and autumn leaf colour.
Easy to grow.
Group:Deciduous Azalea (Knaphill hybrid).
Parentage: unknown
Hybridization date: pre 1950...
Deciduous Azalea Imago
Lovely deep yellow double flowers, tinged purplish red flowering in late May. One of Donald Waterer's later hybrids but still rare. Height 150cm in 10 years.
Recommended gorgeous flowers.
Easy to grow.
Group:Deciduous Azalea (Knaphill hybrid).
Parentage: unknown.
Hybridization date: pre 2000 (1959).
Bred by: Waterer (Bagshot). Origin: British.
Habit: compact.
Ideal position: Most sunny garden...
Deciduous Azalea Jessica Rose
(H6) Luscious rich warm pink, double flowered Homebush hybrid. Grows best in light dappled shade or full sun. Height 150cm in 10 years.
One of 4 lovely 'Homebush' hybrids bred by noted New Forest Azalea breeder George Hyde, who bred the Solent strain of Azaleas for Exbury Gardens. We have propagated these exclusively from the garden of his daughter, Rosemary Legrand, and they have just been named...
Deciduous Azalea Jock Brydon AGM
Striking pinky white flowers with a bold speckled reddish orange blotch and wavy ruffled edges. A stunning occidentale hybrid with a good scent in May and June. This is vigorous as a young plant with arching branches. Height 150-180cm in 10 years.
Recommended for striking scented flowers.
Easy to grow.
Group:Deciduous Azalea (Occidentale hybrid).
Parentage: molle subsp. molle X occidentale.
Hybridization...
Deciduous Azalea Jolie Madame AGM
Fine pink trumpet shaped scented flowers with an orange yellow blotch up to 70mm across on a truss of 7 to 9 flowers. Flowering in May - June with an upright habit it also has lovely autumn colour. Height 140-160cm after 10 years.
Recommended for lovely fragrance.
Easy to grow.
Group:Deciduous Azalea (viscosum hybrid).
Parentage: viscosum x 'Koster's Brilliant Red' X 'Satan'.
Hybridization date:...
Deciduous Azalea Juniduft
Image supplied and owned by H. Hachmann https://www.hachmann.de/
(H6) Sweetly scented stunning two tone pale pink funnel shaped flowers, that have a wonderful yellow spotted upper lobe, appear in late May early June. The new growth come through bronze in colour and turns deep green as the season progresses. Height 125-150cm in ten years.
• Recommended for: Gorgeous scented flowers.• Easy...
Deciduous Azalea Klondyke AGM
Red orange in bud opening to one of the best bright golden yellow flowers in May - June. This fine deciduous azalea has coppery red new growth and good autumn colour. Height 150-180cm in 10 years. Requires a fairly sunny position.
Recommended for one of the best yellow flowers.
Easy to grow.
Group:Deciduous Azalea (Exbury hybrid).
Parentage: unknown
Hybridization date: pre 1950 (1947).
Bred...
Deciduous Azalea Narcissiflorum AGM
Lovely small pale yellow flowers, with darker centre and outside, 30mm across. Sweetly scented double honeysuckle type flowers in May - June, followed by good autumn colour and one of David's recommended varieties. This is an unusual but highly sought after plant which is one of our specialities. Height 150-180cm in 10 years.
Recommended for amazing scented flowers.
Easy to grow.
Group:Deciduous...
Deciduous Azalea Northern Hi Lights
Yellow buds open in May to beautiful creamy white scented flowers with a prominent bright yellow upper lobe giving a two tone effect. Gorgeous autumn colours. Bred at the University of Minnesota in North America, so it is exceptionally hardy. Height 120 - 150cm in 10 years. Requires a fairly sunny position.
Recommended for beautiful scented flowers.
Easy to grow.
Group:Deciduous Azalea (Northern...
Deciduous Azalea periclymenoides
An attractive sweet-smelling azalea, with small pink flowers, and a deeper tube, appearing with the leaves in May. This is a very hardy low growing, stoloniferous plant (meaning it bears stolons which are stems which creep along the surface of the ground, taking root at intervals) from Eastern America. Height 120-150cm in 10 years.
Also known as nudiflorum
Recommended for pretty scented flowers.
Easy...
Deciduous Azalea Persil AGM
Stunning large pure white flowers with a prominent deep yellow flare in the throat. Flowering in mid-late May this is one of our favourites. A striking Knaphill azalea. Height 120-150cm in 10 years.
Easy to grow.
Group:Deciduous Azalea (Knaphill hybrid).
Parentage: unknown.
Hybridization date: pre 1950 (before 1926).
Bred by: Waterer (Knap Hill). Origin: British.
Habit: upright.
Ideal position:...
Deciduous Azalea Queen Emma
Stunning large deep orange flowers suffused with a salmon glow and blotched strong orange up to 65mm across in a pompom type truss. Flowering in May this lovely variety has good autumn colour. Height 140-160cm after 10 years. It does like a fairly sunny position.
The registered name of this plant is 'Koningin Emma', named after the Dutch Queen Emma..
Ideal for mixed borders.
Easy to grow.
Group:Deciduous...
Deciduous Azalea Royal Command
Attractive vivid reddish-orange flowers fading to yellow in full sun. Flowering in May - June, this deciduous azalea has good autumn leaf colour and a bushy habit. Height 150-180cm in 10 years.
Ideal for mixed borders.
Easy to grow.
Group:Deciduous Azalea (Exbury hybrid).
Parentage: unknown.
Hybridization date: pre 2000 (1958).
Bred by: Exbury. Origin: British.
Habit: upright.
Ideal position:...
Deciduous Azalea Rumba
(H6) This deciduous azalea has bright vivid orange flowers which start to open in May and continue well into June helping to extend the flowering season for the orange deciduous azaleas.The new leaves emerge green with a red hue around the margins before turning golden orange and crimson red in the autumn months. This plant grows to be around 1.5m high and 1.2m wide and prefers to be in a sunny spot.
•...
Deciduous Azalea Satan AGM
Wickedly dark red in bud, opening to large deep orange-red flowers in late May and early June. A good mildew resistant plant raised by the old Waterer Nurseries at Knaphill, and introduced by W C Slocock Ltd. This variety makes a real statement and is a must for any garden. Height 150-175cm in 10 years.
Recommended for stunning flowers.
Easy to grow.
Group:Deciduous Azalea (Knaphill hybrid).
Parentage:...
Deciduous Azalea Silver Slipper AGM
Pink buds open to large white flowers with a prominent yellow orange flare in May - June. A stunning deciduous azalea that has good coppery autumn colour. Height 150-180cm in 10 years. Prefers a fairly sunny position.
Easy to grow.
Group:Deciduous Azalea (Exbury hybrid).
Parentage: unknown
Hybridization date: pre 1950 (1948).
Bred by: Exbury. Origin: British.
Habit: compact.
Ideal position:...
Deciduous Azalea Snow's Head
(H6) Almost pure white star shaped double flowers, forming large white balls of sweetly scented flowers in early May. Each flower is between 35 – 45mm and all the stamens are petaloid, adding more floral impact. This plant has lush bright green foliage and a broadly upright habit. Height 125-150cm in 10 years.A stunning plant bred and registered in Germany by top rhododendron breeder Holger Hachmann...
Deciduous Azalea Sommerduft (Summer Scent)
Picture owned by and supplied by Tomma, Schroeder Rhododendron
(H6) Stunning almost pure white trumpet-shaped flowers with a very faint pink tinge to the outer edges opening in July typically after the foliage has appeared. The flowers are strongly scented which comes from azalea viscosum which makes up most of this plant’s parentage. The leaves are soft green in colour. The plant itself has...
Deciduous Azalea Strawberry Ice AGM
Lovely deep pink in bud opening to flesh pink flowers mottled deeper at the edges with a golden flare. Flowering in large trusses of 23 flowers up to 70mm across in May - June. It has bronzy young growth with good autumn colour. Height 150-180cm in 10 years.
Ideal for mixed borders.
Easy to grow.
Group:Deciduous Azalea (Exbury hybrid).
Parentage: unknown.
Hybridization date: pre 1950 (1947).
Bred...
Deciduous Azalea Thomas David
Launched at our Gold Medal winning exhibit at RHS CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW 2011.
A striking deep rosy red double pompom type of flower displayed as large globes during mid to late May. A particularly fine new flower, and a rare double red. Grows best in light dappled shade or full sun. Height 150-175cm in 10 years.
This is one of 4 lovely 'Homebush' hybrids bred by noted New Forest Azalea breeder George...
Deciduous Azalea Toucan
Beautiful cream coloured flowers in May-June. We think this is one of the best creams available with good autumn leaf colour. Large flowers up to 90mm across. Height 140-160cm in 10 years.
Recommended for lovely cream flowers.
Easy to grow.
Group:Deciduous Azalea (Knaphill hybrid).
Parentage: unknown.
Hybridization date: pre 1950 (1941).
Bred by: Waterer (Knap Hill). Origin: British.
Habit:...
Deciduous Azalea Tropical Salad
(H6) A wonderful mix of strawberry and raspberry pinks with lemon and orange colours on the upper lobes. The flowers are funnel shaped, 30 x 70mm in domed trusses of 9 to 10 flowers. Slightly scented and June flowering to extend the season nicely. A stunning plant. It will perform best in light shade. Height 120-150 cmin 10 years.
This lovely plant was selected by Ted Millais as an un-numbered plant...
Deciduous Azalea Whitethroat AGM
Delightful small pure white double funnel-shaped flowers. Flowering in May - June this is a lovely neat compact plant with a spreading habit. It performs best in light dappled shade and has attractive silvery light green leaves. Height 120-150cm in 10 years.
Recommended for pure white flowers.
Easy to grow.
Group:Deciduous Azalea (Knaphill hybrid).
Parentage: unknown.
Hybridization date: pre...
Evergreen Azalea Chipmunk
Prolific bright pink hose in hose double flowers in late June up to 55cm across. This is a lovely compact plant with neat glossy foliage. Height 40-60cm in 10 years.
Ideal for containers and small gardens and to extend the flowering season.
Easy to grow.
Group:Evergreen Azalea (Northern European hybrid).
Parentage: 'Vida Brown' (s) X 'Lemur'
Hybridization date: pre 2000 (1979).
Bred by: P.A....
Evergreen Azalea Corany
Delightful smaller rose pink flowers with a darker centre that flowers in May. This is a dense and compact plant with a good habit. Ideal for front of border or for growing in containers. Height 50cm in 10 years.
Ideal for containers and small gardens, including rock gardens and front of borders.
Easy to grow.
Group:Evergreen Azalea (Kurume hybrid).
Parentage: unknown
Hybridization date: unknown.
Bred...
Evergreen Azalea Dearest
A lovely looking Azalea with large rich pink flowers and darker markings, flowering in Mid May. The perfect gift for any occasion! Slightly tender, so best in sheltered positions. Height 50-75cm in 10 years.
Raised by noted New Forest Azalea breeder, George Hyde, and recently named by his daughter Rosemary Legrand.
Ideal for containers and small gardens.
Easy to grow.
Group:Evergreen Azalea (Hyde...
Evergreen Azalea Florida AGM
This is a popular variety with large deep red hose-in-hose double flowers around 55cm across in May. It is a tough plant with glossy leaves that turn a lovely reddish in autumn and winter. Height 60-75cm in 10 years.
Ideal for containers and small gardens, great autumn foliage.
Easy to grow.
Group:Evergreen Azalea (kaempferi hybrid).
Parentage: Un-named seedling no. 37 G1 X 'Vuyks Scarlet'
Hybridization...
Evergreen Azalea General Wavell
(H5) Large deep orange pink flowers suffused yellow at the base, with red spotting on the upper lobes, and very distinctive wavy edged petals. Mid May flowering. Height 50-75cm in 10 years.
• Ideal for containers, most garden situations and front of borders.• Easy to grow.• Group: Evergreen Azalea.• Parentage: ‘Glory of Numazu’ X indicum.• Hybridization date: pre...
Evergreen Azalea Georg Arends
(H6) Large deep pink-red flowers in mid May, up to 7.5cm in diameter, on a rounded and bushy plant with healthy dark green foliage. A very hardy plant from Germany. Height 75-100cm in 10 years.
Also known as George Arends.
Ideal for containers and small gardens, including rock gardens and front of borders.
Easy to grow.
Group:Evergreen Azalea (German hybrid), originally thought to be an Azaleodendron.
Parentage:...
Evergreen Azalea Gilbert Mullie
A recent introduction with very attractive rose pink flowers, with darker speckling, up to 57mm wide. This is an attractive sem-evergreen, tough plant that will tolerate more cold, with excellent flowers in May. Height 75-90cm in 10 years.
Ideal for containers and small gardens, with a strong spreading habit.
Easy to grow.
Group:Evergreen Azalea (Belgian hybrid).
Parentage: 'Mother's Day' X 'Kirin'
Hybridization...
Evergreen Azalea Hanako
(H5) Mauve pink flowers with reddish spotting in May. Dense and compact with hairy growth. Height 50-75cm in 10 years.
syn. 'Takako' and 'Geisha Lilarosa'.
Evergreen Azalea Herbert
Reddish purple hose-in-hose (double) flowers with a darker purple blotch and frilled edges. Late May flowering. Attractive pointed and glossy leaves on a dense low spreading plant. Height 50-75cm in 10 years.
Ideal for containers and small gardens.
Easy to grow.
Group:Evergreen Azalea (Gable hybrid).
Parentage: yedoense var. poukhanense (s) X 'Hexe'
Hybridization date: pre...
Evergreen Azalea Kermesina
Wonderful deep pink small flowers cover the whole plant in May. A very hardy and floriferous plant with a neat compact rounded habit. Height 50-60cm in 10 years.
Also known as 'Kermesinum' and 'Pink Kiusianum'.
Ideal for small gardens and profusion of flower.
Easy to grow.
Group:Evergreen Azalea (Northern European hybrid).
Parentage: unknown
Hybridization date: pre 2000 (registered in 1958...
Evergreen Azalea kiusianum 'Hillier's Pink' AGM
Extremely attractive clear lilac pink flowers in May. Semi-dwarf prostrate plant from Japan which often loses leaves in winter but is very hardy. Height 45-60cm in 10 years.
kiusianum is one of the most common native azaleas of Japan and is treated as a species. This is a wonderful pink flowered clone hybridized by Hilliers Nursery.
Ideal for cascading over walls .
Easy to grow.
Group:Evergreen...
Evergreen Azalea Konigstein
Stunning purple violet flowers in mid May. This is a small flowered variety, but is particularly striking and full of rich colour, the flowers hiding all the leaves. A very hardy plant that is one of our favourites. Height 50-75cm in 10 years.
Ideal for containers and small gardens, including rock gardens and front of borders.
Easy to grow.
Group:Evergreen Azalea (kiusianum hybrid).
Parentage:...
Evergreen Azalea Madame van Hecke
A popular and reliable stunning profusion of small bright pink flowers. Flowering in early May, this is a very tough and easy growing plant that has an upright habit. Height and spread 75-90cm in 10 years.
Registered as Madame Albert van Hecke.
Ideal for containers and small gardens.
Easy to grow.
Group:Evergreen Azalea (kaempferi hybrid).
Parentage: 'Willy' X unknown.
Hybridization date: pre...
Evergreen Azalea Magic Flute
Prolific, vibrant purple-pink fluted, hose-in-hose (double) bell shaped flowers up to 40mm across. Flowering in May this is an exciting new introduction from the late George Hyde, an acknowledged Azalea breeder. It has an excellent compact and neat habit. Height 60cm in 10 years.
Ideal for containers and small gardens.
Easy to grow.
Group:Evergreen Azalea (Hyde hybrid).
Parentage: Unknown.
Hybridization...
Evergreen Azalea Maria Elena
(H5) Fully double rich pink flowers in May make this azalea different to others. Maria Elena is a dense, compact, rounded, evergreen shrub with small, elliptic and dark green leaves. It mixes well with other plants and stands out when in flower. Height 50-75 cm in 10 years.
• Recommended for fully double flowers, good ground cover and low maintenance.• Easy to grow.• Group: Evergreen...
Evergreen Azalea Martha Hitchcock
(H6) Distinctive huge deep pink-purple flowers with a prominent paler pink centre and darker spotting on the upper lobes. Really striking 75mm wide flowers during May, sometimes only magenta, and with or without the darker spotting. This azalea has an open spreading habit, and can be a little shy in flowering when young. Given warmer summer conditions, it is an excellent performer and well worth growing....
Evergreen Azalea nakaharae AGM (orange form)
Lovely funnel-shaped orange red flowers during June-July. This is a very dwarf plant with a dense, creeping habit. An ideal plant for rockeries. Height and spread 30-40cm in 10 years.
nakaharae (or nakaharai) is a native azalea from Taiwan and is treated as a species. It has been used very successfully as parent to many of the more dwarf creeping hybrids. Seeds were first introduced in America in...