Deciduous Azalea Nicholas de Rothschild

(H5)  A wonderful bicoloured double flower, which is red in tight bud, opening through deep pink to deep golden yellow, turning to soft pink and apricot as they mature. May.  Deep green foliage turns fiery red in autumn before falling. Height 125-150cm in 10 years with an upright habit.  

This combination makes for a kaleidoscope of colour through the spring. Altogether a great shrub for punctuating the different seasons of the year.  Best in dappled shade or a fairly sunny position.

Raised by Denis Hughes, a noted rhododendron breeder from Blue Mountain Nurseries, in the South of New Zealand, who named this plant in honour of Nicholas de Rothschild (Exbury Gardens) when he visited New Zealand. We are delighted to be offering a few of Dennis's recent introductions which are notably different from existing varieties.

• Recommended for fascinating bicoloured flowers.
• Easy to grow.
• Group:Deciduous Azalea (Ghent type).
• Parentage: unknown
• Hybridization date: Approx 2000.
• Bred by: Denis Hughes. Origin: New Zealand.
• Habit: upright.
• Ideal position: Most garden situations with some sun.
• Ideal soil: pH 4.5 to 6.
• RHS Hardiness Rating: H6.
• How we usually propagate this plant: Cutting.

Customer Reviews

By Pat Webb on 15th April 2025

"Plant arrived quickly and was healthy and apparently happy; if a little more mature than expected."

By Chris Pepler on 20th June 2024

"Lovely looking plants , great service"

By PhilipJohns on 28th January 2022

"Arrived promptly and was very well packaged. At dormant stage now but looks very healthy. Good sized specimen."

By MrsSGrenvilleJones on 19th December 2020

"I have always been delighted with all the azaleas that I have bought from Millais Nurseries. They arrive in good condition, full of buds and I'm so looking forward to seeing them in flower. "

By Swapna on 25th April 2020

"Came very quickly,well packed ,very healthy plant "

By Swapna on 25th April 2020

"Came very quickly,well packed ,very healthy plant "

By Simon Harper on 1st March 2020

"Exciting little azaleas arrived just 36 hours after ordering"

Good to know

From a botanical point of view, deciduous azaleas are part of the rhododendron family, but typically they only have 5-7 stamens in the flowers instead of 11-13 stamens present in other rhododendrons. They make a dazzling display, particularly in yellows, oranges and reds, but can also be very subtle in shades of pink and white. They are tough and fast growing plants typically reaching 125-150cm in 10 years. Our selection ranges from the discreet small flowered species and Ghent varieties, to the bold large flowering Knaphill and Exbury types. Many have the added value of a good scent in spring, and fiery autumn colours before leaf fall. Our newest introductions greatly extend the season into late June and July.

Deciduous azaleas have a stronger root system and will tolerate poorer conditions and a slightly higher pH than other rhododendrons. They can be grown in soils up to pH 6.5 when plenty of ericaceous compost is added. They prefer light dappled shade, but can also be grown in sun or more shade. In sun, the plants will be bushier and lower, with more flowers, but these will not last so long. In shade, the plants will be taller, with fewer flowers, but these will last longer.

All require good moist ericaceous soil with a high organic content. For a guide to plant spacing, use the height we give in 10 years as a guide to the distance between each plant, or approximately 1 plant per 1.5m². Plant no deeper than the top of the rootball, and dig in plenty of good ericaceous compost around the sides.  A teaspoon of slow release feed is sufficient for a 3 litre plant, rising to a small handful for a mature plant.  They are tough plants, and tolerate growing in containers, where their flowers, scent and autumn colours can be appreciated. Re-pot every 3 years for best performance.

Please note: Plants supplied in winter months can look quite bare and stick-like, and may be pruned back to encourage more branching. This is normal, and they will soon fill out in the spring.


For further advice, For further advice, see here

Size Guide

picture for example only

The Basics

Ideal soil

Acidic soil, good organic content, pH 4.5-6.0. Inkarho range of rhododendrons will tolerate soils up to pH7.5

Sun or Shade

Light dappled shade is best for most varieties.

Shelter

Refer to hardiness rating. Give young plants protection.

Site Selection

Avoid close to trees, roots, invasive weeds, walls, hot patios, dry banks and waterlogged soils. Do not use weed matting or stone mulch.

Plant spacing

Use the height shown in 10 years as a guide to the distance between each plant. Allow room for plant to fill out. If planting closer for instant impact, be prepared to move plants after a few years.

Compost

• 3 litre pot, dig in 10-20 litres of ericaceous compost.
• 7.5 litre pot, dig in 20-30 litres of ericaceous compost.
• 70-80cm specimen, dig in 60 litres of ericaceous compost.
• 100-120cm specimen, dig in 120 litres of ericaceous compost.

Planting depth

Plant high in the ground, with the top of the rootball visible.

Feeding

Slow-release ericaceous feed recommended in March and straight after flowering.

Mulch

Recommended every few years.

Water

The key ingredient! Keep moist all season, especially the critical time at end of June for flower bud initiation. Tap water is better than no water. Heavy dose at least once per week in dry weather.

Drainage

Ensure good drainage in winter, especially with yellow flowering varieties. Avoid waterlogged sites.

Pruning

Rhododendrons and Camellias: Not normally required. Tidy wayward shoots after flowering.

Evergreen azaleas and Bloombux can be clipped into a low hedge.

Magnolias and Acers: Formative pruning when young to shape into a tree or bush.

Deadheading

Remove old flower-heads, particularly on young or weak plants.

For further advice see here

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