KATHMANDU: It comes in a range of hues giving the garden a colourful explsion. Azalea, a flowering plant of the rhododenderon family,

is popular in Nepal. A perennial species, it is a perfect choice for all garden owners.

Azaleas are grown either from seeds, cutting or grafting. There are different species of azaleas that can survive in different temperatures and altitudes depending upon its species. Azaleas come in three varieties namely — pot variety, garden variety and deciduous variety. Only the first two varieties can be found in Nepal. Azaleas either fall into the deciduous or evergreen categories, which are classified the same way as trees depending on whether or not they shed their leaves over winter. Spring is when azaleas bloom.

Suresh Bhakta Shrestha owner of the Standard Nursery at Bansbari, who is also a horticulturist, has dedicated 10 years of research on azaleas with a successful outcome. He was only too eager to share his knowledge about azaleas and said, “Azaleas are popular in Nepal and especially the garden variety has been popular for quite sometime. It has only been 10 years since the introduction of pot variety in Nepal. Initially it was imported from Europe, but now it is easily available from places like Darjeeling and Kalimpong.”

Varities: Most deciduous azaleas shed their leaves each year, leaving a bare plant until the next spring and are popular in US. It has larger leaves than evergreens with a hardiness for colder climates. But they are typically difficult to propagate. The azaleas that come from Japan and other Asian countries are of the evergreen variety. Like deciduous azaleas, they shed their spring leaves, but before doing so, they grow another set that remains on the plant through the winter in most climates. Evergreen varieties are typically less hardy in colder climates but are easier to propagate.

Requirements: Azaleas will tolerate a wide range of temperatures but a minimum of 30-31 degrees Celsius is required during summer. In warmer temperatures, the bloom does not last long.

Azaleas require a loose acidic soil with high content in organic matter. The soil should be kept evenly moist but the pot should never be waterlogged.

As azaleas prefer to be consistently moist, watering is required to avoid the soil from getting dry.

It also requires high humidity. Azaleas should be kept in semi-shade with enough exposure to light.

“Direct sunlight has the tendency to shorten the life of the flowers in bloom, so protection from strong midday sun is important,” said Shrestha.

Pests and diseases: White grubs which are found inside the soil eat up the roots that results in the wilting of the flowers despite watering. Leaf roller and caterpillars are leaf eaters, whereas the mealy bugs damage the flower slowly and stop growth rate. Black or grey spots on the leaves are signs of fungal

diseases.

Prevention: While preparing the soil, mix a pinch of phorate granules to prevent the attack of the white grubs. Dimethoate dilution (1ml/lt) can also be drenched in the soil to prevent white grub.

Chlorpyrifos dilution (1ml/lt) can be sprayed on the leaves to avoid the attack of caterpillars, leaf rollers and mealy bugs.

For fungal disease, spray Carbendazim and Mancozeb dilution (1ml/lt) on the leaves.

Fertilisers: “Normally if fertilisers are not used, the plant doesn’t look good or healthy,” said Shrestha. The use of liquid fertiliser in concentrated form (5ml/lt) in an interval of two weeks instead of water is recommended.

“One should stop the use of cow dung as it is prone to pests and diseases,” said Shrestha.

A mixture of pine needles, dry leaves and coco peat helps to acidify the soil to some extent and the mulch helps to keep the soil moist that results in proper growth of azaleas. Organic fertilisers can also be suitable for faster growth.

Twenty-eight varieties of azaleas in terms of colours and patterns can be found at the Standard Nursery.

“Azalea is not a complicated plant if a few of its cultural requirements are met. The blooming life span is usually seven to eight weeks, but new varieties have come that are longer lasting and bloom throughout the year,” said Shrestha.