Azalea Lingot d'Or

The Azalea mollis prefers a sunny location unlike the Japanese Azalea, but its preferred position is in partial shade. Plant it in an erocaceous soil, moist but well-drained and above all lime-free. Make sure not to plant the root ball too deeply, it should be level with the surface of the soil. Water copiously during dry periods, at least once a week in the first year. In spring, apply a fertilizer for ericaceous plants. Pruning is not essential but it is a good idea to prune lightly after flowering to keep the plant looking neat. Remove spent flowers to encourage new growth. The Azalea suffers from very few diseases when well-established outdoors. It can be attacked by weevils that eat the edges of the leaves and rootlets, and by the famous "Rhododendron lace bug", though not often causing significant damage. If the soil is chalky or poorly drained, or if the rootball is too deep, the leaves may turn yellow and eventually die.