Product details
Product Overview
Azalea Indica Comtesse De Kerchove is an elegant evergreen flowering shrub prized for its large double blooms in soft salmon-pink to apricot tones, delicately fading to pale pink or white around the petal edges. Its distinctive colouring and dense foliage make it a beautiful feature for shaded garden beds, courtyards, borders and decorative containers.
Growth:
Azalea Indica Comtesse De Kerchove is a compact, rounded evergreen shrub generally growing around 80cm to 1 metre high and wide. Its naturally dense habit responds well to light pruning after flowering.
Light Requirements:
Plant in part shade or filtered sunlight. Morning sun with protection from hot afternoon sun is ideal. A sheltered position is particularly beneficial in hot inland climates.
Soil Requirements:
Comtesse De Kerchove prefers well-drained, acidic soil enriched with organic matter. Avoid alkaline soils and waterlogged conditions. A soil or potting mix formulated for Azaleas, Camellias and other acid-loving plants is ideal.
Water Requirements:
Water regularly during establishment and maintain consistent soil moisture throughout the growing season. Azaleas have shallow root systems and should not be allowed to dry out completely, particularly during flowering and hot weather.
Frost Tolerance:
Comtesse De Kerchove tolerates light frost once established. Young plants, flower buds and open blooms may require protection during severe frost.
Drought Tolerance:
Drought tolerance is limited. Regular moisture and a well-mulched root zone are important during prolonged hot and dry periods.
Flowering Information:
Large double flowers appear in soft salmon-pink to apricot-pink shades, with the colour becoming noticeably paler towards the crinkled petal edges. It is an early and long-flowering cultivar, with its main display occurring from late winter through spring.
Spacing Requirements:
Allow approximately 80cm to 1 metre between plants to provide room for mature growth. Closer spacing can be used for a compact informal hedge or continuous border.
Fertiliser Requirements:
Apply a fertiliser formulated for Azaleas, Camellias and other acid-loving plants after flowering and again during active growth if required. Avoid excessive fertiliser and products containing lime.
Care and Maintenance:
Lightly prune after flowering to maintain a dense, rounded shape and encourage fresh growth. Apply organic mulch around the root zone to conserve moisture and keep the shallow roots cool, keeping mulch clear of the main stems. Protect from harsh afternoon sun and drying winds in hot climates.
