Azalea Whitethroat

A compact hybrid azalea from the Knap Hill nursery, Rhododendron Whitethroat is a medium-sized, deciduous shrub with a neat, vase-shaped habit. The leaves are  silvery light green, turning red and orange in autumn. In May and June, the shrub carries delightful, pure white, tubular, double flowers flaring out at their tips; the flowers are scented. Dead-head carefully (next year’s buds are just below this year’s flowers) to promote growth instead of seed production. Suitable for the smaller garden, it can be grown in soil-based ericaceous compost in a large container, using rain-water and ericaceous slow-release fertiliser. Azalea Whitethroat holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Site: Sheltered
Soil: Fertile, moist but well-drained, humus-rich, acidic soil
Position: Light dappled shade
Season of interest: Late spring to early summer, and autumn
Hardiness: Very hardy
Height: 4-5’ (1.2-1.5m) Spread: 5’-6’ (1.5-1.8m) after 10 years