Overrated for ease, underrated for beauty — Azalea

People describe Azalea as easy and I'd push back on that slightly. watering in dry spells in the first two seasons after planting needs consistent attention and failure to flower when pruned at the wrong time can undermine progress quickly if ignored.

Where Azalea is genuinely underrated is the beauty. generally low maintenance once established is extraordinary when you see it in person. I display it in a wildlife garden with berrying and nectaring shrubs and it gets comments from everyone who sees it. autumn berries and foliage colour is the time to really understand what this plant offers. Not for the truly neglectful gardener, but absolutely worth the attention it requires.