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Azalea procumbens

alpine azalea

A prostrate, native, evergreen shrub forming low mounds or large mats of creeping stems rooting freely along the ground with tiny, leathery dark green leaves about 8mm long. Clusters of small, bell-shaped pink flowers produced at the ends of the stems in late spring

Other common names
minezuo
mountain azalea
see moretrailing azalea
Synonyms
Loiseleuria procumbens
Azalea procumbens
Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cm
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Pink Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Ericaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Matforming, Trailing
Potentially harmful
Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (dogs, cats, rabbits, tortoises): Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Genus

Kalmia are evergreen shrubs with simple, leathery leaves and racemes or corymbs of bowl-shaped flowers in spring or summer

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Northern Hemisphere (Arctic, sub-Acrtic, sub-Alpine)

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moisture-retentive, humus-rich, acid soil in part shade, or in sun if soil remains reliably moist. Mulch anually with leaf mould or composted pine needles

Propagation

Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in midsummer or by layering in late summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Banks and slopes
  • Ground cover
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility

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