Some azaleas are evergreen, while others are deciduous. Evergreen Japanese azaleas keep their foliage through the year and give useful structure, while deciduous azaleas lose their leaves in winter but often produce larger, showier and sometimes scented flowers.

Yes, azaleas are acid-loving plants and need acidic growing conditions. If you are planting azaleas in pots, use ericaceous compost. In borders, they do best in naturally acidic, moist but well-drained soil.

Yes, many azalea plants are ideal for patio pots and containers, especially compact Japanese and Encore® varieties. Use ericaceous compost, keep the compost evenly moist and position the pot in a sheltered spot with good light.

Plant azaleas somewhere sheltered, with acidic soil that stays lightly moist but drains well. Evergreen azaleas usually prefer partial shade or gentle dappled light, rather than strong afternoon sun. Encore® azaleas can take a brighter position and often flower better with more light, as long as the soil or compost is kept evenly moist and not allowed to dry out.

Encore® azaleas give you more than just the usual spring display. They are bred to bloom in spring and then produce extra flowers again later in the year, giving a longer season of colour. Traditional azaleas normally put on one main show in spring, which can still look stunning, but they do not usually repeat flower in the same way.