Azalea is a rather slow-growing shrub that produces flowers of great ornamental value. They are so, so pretty that it is no wonder they are very popular in many parts of the world. In temperate climates, it is also very popular; in fact, it is often planted in gardens or in patios.
When the weather is not very kind to it, there are even those who choose to keep it indoors permanently; although this is not the most advisable, because it needs to feel the passing of the seasons, something it can only do if it is exposed to the changes that these generate. Closely related to this, it is important to ask ourselves the following question: Is the azalea a sun or shade plant? If you have any questions, you will find the answer below.
Where do I put the azalea: indoors or outdoors?
The azalea is a relatively small shrub, which usually does not exceed a metre in height. It also tolerates pruning very well, a characteristic it shares with many shrubs; and as it has small leaves, it is one of the plants most commonly used as a bonsai. The flowers bloom in spring and can continue to do so until early summer if the climatic and growing conditions allow it.
But of course, so that it can bloom every year it is important to find a location where it can thrive. And to do this, we first have to find out a little about our climate, and whether or not the azalea will be able to withstand it. Why? Because Our protagonist, although it can withstand frost, if the temperature drops below -5ºC we will have to protect it either in a greenhouse or at home..
However, if the climate is rather temperate-warm, with very weak frosts, as occurs in many parts of the Mediterranean region for example, it is best to grow it outdoors all year round.
Is the azalea sun or shade?
This question has the same answer as the previous one, that is: dependsI know, I know I'm not really telling you anything with this, but don't worry, when you finish reading, you'll understand why I'm telling you this.
You see, the azalea is a shrub that can be evergreen or deciduous, depending on whether we are talking about the Rhododendron of the Tsutsusi section, which are perennials, Or the Rhododendron of the Pentanthera section which are deciduous. The azaleas sold in Spain are generally evergreen, that is, they are Rhododendron Tsustsusi. Why? Because evergreens can withstand heat much better.
In fact, To know if a plant can withstand heat a little better than others, one of the things that will tell us this will be precisely this: evergreen plants do not need to shed all their leaves every year.Why? Because the climate is warm enough for them not to have to. Deciduous trees, on the other hand, do lose their leaves at some point during the year (either in summer or in the dry season, as happens with the flamboyan in its native land, or in autumn-winter as happens with maples, beeches, etc.).
In the specific case of azaleas, it is also interesting to say that deciduous varieties resist the cold better than evergreen ones.. But in addition to this, you should know that the sun does not hit everywhere equally, so temperatures vary greatly depending on where we are. For our plant to be well, it is very, very important to know that its natural habitat is usually mountain areas, as well as areas close to them, whether in a sunny or shady exposure.
If you have ever gone hiking in a mountain range, you will surely have noticed that the weather is a little cooler than in areas that are at a low altitude above sea level. Well, If we put an azalea in full sun in a place where the climate is very, very hot, with temperatures of 35ºC for example, would have many difficulties to survive.
But if you live in the north of the Iberian Peninsula, in Asturias or the Pyrenees for example, you could put it in a sunny location, since the temperatures would be good enough for the azalea to thrive.
As you can see, answering the question of whether an azalea prefers sun or shade is not as simple as it seems. In my area (south of Mallorca) I could not have it in full sun, much less during the summer, because not only would it not grow, but it would also suffer.
So, summarizing: We will put it in a sunny exposure only if the climate is temperate, without extreme temperatures.If it is a hot or very hot area, with temperatures of 30ºC or more, it is best to keep it in the shade.
If you have any questions, you know you can write them in the comments.