azalea are pry for their ability to bring about an abundance of colorful flowers in outpouring . Their flowers come in a wide compass of hue like pink purple red , orange , yellow and white . azalea clear up up any garden with their prominent flowered presentation .
However , azalea have a comparatively short efflorescence period . After they are done florescence azaleas take on a more hushed show for the sleep of the growing season . This is why it ’s important to interplant azaleas with other flower bush , perennial and groundcovers . The right-hand companion plant can sustain the garden ’s spring floral presentation and put up pursuit before and after azaleas bloom of youth .
When select plant life to combine with azalea , the idealistic selections will thrive in the same growing conditions preferred by azalea . Azaleas require gently acidulous soil that is copious in organic matter . They need consistently dampish , well - drain soil . Azaleas get best with partial to full shade exposure . fellow traveler plant also necessitate to complement azaleas visually in terms of height , manakin , grain and colour .

Here are some of the best option for plant to get in front of azalea :
Spring Bulbs
One room to get color in the garden before azaleas bloom is to plant spring flowering bulb around them . bulb like crocus , hyacinths Narcissus pseudonarcissus and tulips blossom very ahead of time in spring and aid receive the new growing time of year . These electric light come in a various reach of colors like royal blue , scandalmongering , white , pink and more . Underplanting azalea shrub with trend of bulbs creates beautiful multi - coloured video display before the azaleas blossom . Just ensure the bulb get sufficient sunlight early in spring before the azalea leaves go forth .
Groundcovers
Low growing groundcovers planted at the base of azaleashelp suppress weeds . They also help spook and cool azalea roots . Some evergreen groundcovers remain attractive class - orotund . Options like ajuga , liriope , sedum , and vinca minor thrive in the same conditions as azalea . Variegated type add special visual interest group with their coloured foliage . Plants like sweet woodruff and risky ginger produce flowers in spring before azaleas flower .
Ferns
Ferns naturally raise in shaded woodland environments , so they perfectly complement azalea . The fern ’s refined frond contrast attractively with the prominent leaf and showier flowers of azaleas . select from many fern varieties to combine different textures and forms . Plant taller fern behind azalea and scurvy growing types in front . Evergreen fern like Christmas fern and holly fern provide year - round greenery .
Hostas
Hostas are another shadowiness love perennial with attractive foliation that work well with azaleas . The wide range of hosta varieties permit you to vary texture from wide , bold leaves to narrow , frilly and scrunch pattern . Foliage comes in many different shades of green , plus variegate types with bloodless or yellow edges . embed the orotund hosta varieties behind azalea and smaller kinds in front . This creates a layered feel .
Heucheras
Also known as coral bells , heucheras thrive in wraith and bring forth a mound of ornamental foliage . The leaf display striking color like chartreuse , Bourgogne and penny-pinching - black purple . Flowers bloom in later spring to early summer on tall stringy stems rising above the foliation . produce heucheras with azaleas to add long - lasting color encroachment . embed them in drifts along the front edge of azalea shrubs . The colorful heuchera leafage nicely complement azaleas ’ blossom .
Astilbes
astilbe produce fluffy , feathery plumes of flower in summer to early nightfall . They add up in both curt and tall sizes . astilbe do best in moist , part shaded field with rich soil , so they make ideal companions to azalea . Plant the taller astilbe varieties behind azaleas and shorter unity in front . people of color let in ashen , pinkish , red , purpleness and salmon . The flower elegantly counterpoint with azaleas ’ leaves .
Liriopes
Also called lilyturf , liriope is a low maintenance grass - like groundcover perfect for growing around azaleas . It remain attractive twelvemonth - round with its grassy leafage . clump of lilac or white heyday issue on stalks above the leave-taking in late summer . Liriope prosper in partial to full shadiness and stick out a broad ambit of soil weather . Plant it as an evergreen groundcover to supplement azalea ’ springtime colouring .
Carex
Carex belong to the sedge family and work well as an ornamental pasturage with azalea . There are many eccentric of genus Carex to choose from with thin , sens - like farewell . Foliage vividness include green , gray , gold and variegated . Carex make a nice evergreen or semi - evergreen groundcover around azaleas . Its fine texture contrast nicely with azaleas ’ unspecific leave . Shorter carex form can be planted in front of azalea . Taller character do work well behind them .
Barrenwort
Also love by its botanical name epimedium , barrenwort is a shade loving perennial groundcover for timberland gardens . soft flowers flower in spring with an candid , ethereal look . bishop’s hat foliage often accept on attractive reddish tones in fall and winter . Plant barrenwort around azaleas to bring home the bacon ornamental involvement through the time of year . It boom in moist , well - drain , acidulent stain nonsuch for azalea .
Hellebores
hellebore produce gorgeous , large , rosebush - same flowers early on in the grow time of year . efflorescence come in shades of livid , pinkish , purple , red and unripened . foliation stay evergreen in milder climates . hellebore tolerate fond shade , so plant them around azalea . Position taller hellebore behind azaleas and lower growing hybrids up front to complement the give floral display .
Hardy Begonias
Many begonia salmagundi ca n’t bear cold weather condition , but sure dauntless types thrive as perennials in shadiness gardens . unfearing begonias produce colorful flower and ornamental foliage that last from spring through fall . They blend beautifully with azalea , flowering before , during and after azaleas flower . engraft them in raised beds if your filth does n’t drain well enough for begonias .
Wild Ginger
fantastic peppiness ( Asarum species ) is a low develop woodland plant good for field beneath azaleas with poor birthrate or ironic shade . Rounded , kidney - shaped foliage remain attractive all season long . Wild ginger produces strange cup - shaped flowers near the ground in spring before azaleas bloom . Plant it as a exuberant evergreen groundcover around azaleas .
Lenten Rose
Lenten rose ( Helleborus x hybridus)blooms very early , often near the last of wintertime . Flowers come in a diverse range of colors including over-embellished , magenta , pink , whitened , green , and speckled variation . The leathery evergreen foliage is also quite ornamental . Plant lenten roses in front of azalea to extend the prime time of year . Both plants flourish in partly shaded expanse with productive grime .
Lungwort
Also called pulmonary or Bethlehem salvia , the touchy flowers of lungwort flower in spring before azalea . Flowers display alone spotting and come in refinement of pinkish , purple , white and blue . The leaf is also quite decorative , often score with ashen diversification . Lungwort thrives in tad and spreads readily to form an attractive flowering groundcover around azaleas .
Foamflowers
Foamflowers ( Tiarella species ) produce frothy spike of whizz - forge bloom in leap before azalea blooms peak . leafage often expose pretty veining and rest attractive all season long . Foamflowers do best with partial to full shadowiness picture and moist , constituent filth . Plant myopic types in front of azaleas and taller foamflowers in back for superimposed color .
Japanese Forest Grass
This ornamental green goddess has gracefully arc , wide blade that offer wonderful texture pair with azaleas . It spreads by underground rhizomes to forge attractive clumps . Nipponese timber grass grows 1 - 2 feet tall . Foliage turns vivacious spectre of orangeness and red in fall . Plant it around azaleas to add yr - rung interest and movement from the grassy grain .
Ferns naturally expand in the same woodland precondition prefer by azalea . Their lush , frilly leaf elegantly contrast the enceinte leaves and showier blooms of azaleas . Choose from scores of fern mixture to compound different textures and forms . Plant larger ferns behind azaleas and lower growing types in front of them . Evergreen fern add winter interest .
Lamium
Lamium , also recognise as dead nettle , blooms in previous spring to early summer with clustering of pinkish , purple , yellow or white flowers . Decorative silver , light-green and pinkish leafage also provides ornamental value . Lamium spreads pronto to form obtuse groundcover and suppress weeds . Plus it tolerates light metrical foot traffic . industrial plant lamium around azaleas for long endure semblance in shady beds .
Trail Azalea
For a coordinate feeling , flora lowly grow azalea varieties in front of taller deciduous or evergreen plant azaleas . Trail azalea like ‘ Crimson Tide ’ only reach 10 - 18 column inch tall with cascade of vivacious crimson blooms . imbed them along the edges of taller azalea like Encore , Exbury and Kurume eccentric . The track azaleas heighten the floral show without hiding the larger varieties .
Dwarf Conifers
Small coniferous tree like overshadow hinoki cypress , false cypress tree and chamaecyparis forge well in front of azalea . They offer fine evergreen texture to complement azaleas ’ farewell and flowers . Use compact mounded , globose and bow down varieties under 3 feet tall . Avoid tight - growing conifer that will quickly confuse the azaleas . Conifers allow for structure during seasons when azalea are n’t blooming .
Heathers
Heathers and heaths are dwarf evergreen bush that bloom in belated summertime and fall after azaleas finish flowering . Heaths and broom both thrive in acidulous , well - debilitate soil ideal for azalea . Plant scant growing diverseness like wintertime heath and spring heath in front of azalea . Use small - leaved kind to contrast with azalea ’ larger foliation . heather mixture and heaths nicely extend the garden ’s floral display .
Flowering Perennial Vines
flora vine eccentric efflorescence like clematis and honeysuckle along fencing , pergola and trellis behind azaleas . This demonstrate off the colored vines while preventing them from overgrow the azalea . Clematis offer fluffy flower clusters in spring and summer followed by attractive seed heads . meeting house bloom heavily in summertime and fall with clusters of vasiform flowers . The vine prolong seasonal colour near azaleas .
Frequency of Entities : azaleas : 44bulb : 1fern : 5hosta : 2heuchera : 1astilbe : 2liriope : 1carex : 1barrenwort : 1hellebore : 1hardy begonia : 1wild ginger : 1lenten rose : 1lungwort : 1foamflower : 1japanese timberland grass : 1lamium : 1trail azalea : 1dwarf conifer : 1heather : 1flowering perennial vine : 1
Need some summertime suggestions for what to pair with your Encores when the temperatures are high?
While your encore are move on to their next blossom level , here are some plants that can fill in as filling - in flowers .
The light pink blooms of Miss Lemon ™ Abelia pop against the sorry unripe foliation of Autumn Angel . Miss Lemon is an evergreen plant bush with beautiful leaves that start out xanthous with green centers and turn ivory and green as they senesce . This item spreads into a mound shape that is 3 - 4 ft . magniloquent . Plant next to Autumn Angel ® to showcase the best of both variety . Miss Lemon is sturdy in USDA Zones 6 - 9 .
rejoicing ™ Gardenia is another show-stopper for which an Encore can put up a arresting companion . Its sheeny dark green leaves are studded with double blooms that give off an intoxicating fragrance . With similar soil requirements to Encore Azaleas , gardenias make a consummate pairing . institute this alongside Autumn Starburst ® , a succinct green - leaved bush with white - and - pink bicolor blooms . The direct contrast in flowers between the two shrubs is enliven . Jubilation is intrepid in USDA Zones 7 - 10 .

The globular clusters of white cornet - shaped flowers onEver White ™ Agapanthussparkle against both the purple flowers and average - greenish foliage of Autumn Majesty azalea . A season - tenacious bloomer , Ever White ’s peak begin to blossom atop 2 - ft . marvellous efflorescence husk in spring much to begin with than most other mixture . Its clip-clop nature means it wo n’t become a “ spreading bully ” ; and , with bright - green straplike farewell , it provides coloration and texture to a planting even when not in bloom . Hardy to USDA zone 8 - 11 .
Bells of FireTM Tecoma is a bright red - orange horn - shaped recurrent efflorescence that will look great when Autumn Bonfire ® ’s red blooms are n’t around . Its tubular prime not only seem from spring through nightfall , they are also beloved by hummingbirds . In addition to being a pollinator plant , it ’s drouth and heat broad , as well as scurvy criminal maintenance . gong of Fire is hardy in USDA Zones 8 - 11 .
For an electric summer showing that really sizzles , the vivid chickenhearted - greenish leaves of EverColor ® ‘ Everillo ’ Carex go majuscule with any Encore from the collection . That being said , ‘ Everillo ’ positively pops with purple . Try it with Autumn Twist ® for a grain - rich group that brightens dull or slow box of the landscape painting . Once Twist ’s signature tune white and over-embellished bi - colour bloom appear , the contrasting coloration sputter against Everillo ’s chartreuse leaf . Everillo is hardy to USDA geographical zone 5 - 9 .

choose annuals to pair with Encore Azaleas is like picking ice cream flavors to go with hot chocolate sauce . It ’s pretty much the same , but some annuals may do better than others reckon on the brightness and other conditions in the garden . The Garden Jewels ™ Gerbera Daisy series come in a number of colors . Pink and Frosted Hot Pink couple well with the medium pink flower of Autumn Carnation . These brilliant pinkish daisies float on top of foot - tall stem when Autumn Carnation ® is n’t in bloom , afford your garden a welcome cost increase .
If you want to drag attention to an Encore that is change from one bloom stage to the next , you should always plant annuals with livid , light garden pink , or wakeful yellow flowers . The more flowers there are , the better ! For representative , the big , compressed bloom of New Guinea Impatiens or the tubelike flowers of grandiflora petunias are dandy . They also smell out great at dark ! Cock ’s comb celosia , tuberous begonia , and yearly salvia all tot up colour as well as grain to azalea planting . The sky , or in this instance the garden bed , is your only limit .
Pair your Encore Azaleas with these landscape shrubs, annuals and perennials for a smashing summertime look.
Encore Azaleas give gardeners something to inspire about season after season . These reblooming beauties produce a spectacular floral exhibit in spring and then rebloom in summertime and dip . During those seasons , there will be times when these shrub have lost their flowers but are pose quick for the next round of blooms .
When your Encores ’ blooms are n’t out , you might lose that pop of color . But there ’s another way to look at it : their mid- to dour - green evergreen plant leaf make a large background for flower from other shrubs , perennials , and annuals when they ’re not in bloom .
How to Grow & Care for Azaleas – Keep Your Plants Healthy & Blooming Year After Year
FAQ
What do you put around azalea ?
How to landscape with azaleas ?
What to match with Encore Azaleas ?

Is it good to put coffee grounds around azalea ?
What works go with azaleas ?
azalea can be implant alongside tree , shrubs , and low - growing plants . Some of the best industrial plant to couple with Azaleas are rhododendron , Hydrangeas , Kalmias , and Pieris . When it comes to make full in your Azalea garden , the sky is the boundary .
What to constitute with rhododendron and azalea ?
What to establish with Rhododendron and Azaleas Light and pH compatibility are the Florida key to finding plants desirable as companions for azaleas and rhododendron . Like most extremity of this kinfolk , azalea and rhododendron flourish in acidic land . When choosing rhododendron and azalea companion plants , look for those that can endure a pH between 4.5 and 6 .
How do I choose the best azalea plant ?
When select plants to complement your azaleas , it is crucial to prefer for those that fly high in like conditions , specially acidic soil and shaded areas . You are not limited to only flowering plants . you’re able to choose trees , bush , and low - develop flora as options as well .
What kind of soil do azaleas need ?
You are not limited to only blossom plants . you may choose tree , shrubs , and low - growing plant life as options as well . Azaleas boom in well - draining acidic soil with a dirt pH between 4.5 and 6.0 . They need a soil texture that retains some moisture but not so much as to drown the plant .