Gift that became an obsession — Azalea

Someone gave me Azalea as a birthday gift and I barely knew what it was. Two years later it's my most treasured plant and I've spent more time researching it than I'd care to admit.

The key discovery was deadheading where appropriate to extend the flowering season — once that clicked, the plant transformed. wide range from ground-covering species to large specimens is what gets mentioned every time anyone visits. I keep it in a wildlife garden with berrying and nectaring shrubs which works perfectly. winter bark and evergreen foliage interest is when I understand why this plant has such devoted followers. leggy and open growth habit from insufficient light is the one ongoing challenge but it's worth the effort.