Readers' questions about azaleas

By By Amelia O’Brian / horticulture columnist
Jan. 12, 2003
Amelia O'Brian is native of Meridian. She holds a degree in horticulture from Mississippi State University. If you have a gardening question e-mail O'Brian at thepottingbench@peoplepc.com.
Dear Gardener: I have some azaleas in around my house that my husband and I planted a couple of years ago. Two have died and must be replaced. I have since forgotten what kind they are. How do I go about replacing them, if I cannot remember what they are? Rebecca
Dear Rebecca: The best way to tell what type of azalea you have is to take a cutting (about a foot long should do) from a healthy plant. Carry this cutting in to your favorite garden center. They should be able to identify the cultivar for you. To make it easier to identify, wait until the shrub is flowering in the spring to take your cutting.
For future reference, save one of the tags that comes with the shrubs (or any other plants you may purchase).
I do not recommend leaving the tags on the plants this can be unsightly. Make a small folder or box and keep the information there. If there is not a picture on the label, write down the location where you put the plant. That way identification will be unmistakable.
Dear Gardener: I wish to plant some shrubs on the north side of my house. This area gets very little direct sunlight. It also stays moist most of the time. I would like something to add a little color to the landscape. Do you have any suggestions?
Dear Reader: There are several shrubs that come to mind when I think of attractive shade plants. There are of course the old standbys azaleas, rhododendrons, hydrangeas and abelias. Then there are a few shrubs that are just a bit less used.
Fothergilla is a deciduous member of the Witch Hazel Family. It produces small, very fragrant flowers in the spring much like its cousin. Fall foliage is dramatic, ranging form brilliant reds and oranges to yellow. Large fothergilla grows to 10 feet, while dwarf fothergilla only reaches about 3 feet.
Sweetshrub (Calycanthus) is another deciduous shrub that mounds up to 8 feet high. The entire shrub, not just the rusty red flowers, is wonderfully fragrant. The leaves turn bright yellow in the fall. Be careful with this plant though, it suckers heartily and will probably need restraining eventually.
Leucothoe is an evergreen shrub that grows three to 6 feet tall. Fragrant white flowers are produced on arching stems in the spring. Fall and winter foliage is a spectacular purple color.