Azalea simsii red(Pure)

For a rich splash of winter colour, our Azalea simsii ‘Red (Pure)’ is hard to resist. Neatly grown in a 12cm ceramic pot, it arrives already in bud or flower, covered in elegant, pure red blooms that look as if they’ve been carefully arranged by hand.

These indoor azaleas are perfect for brightening a windowsill, coffee table or mantelpiece when the garden is doing very little. The glossy, deep green foliage sets off the flowers beautifully, and the compact habit makes them ideal for smaller spaces, side tables and gift-giving.

Pop one by the front door to greet guests, use a pair to flank a fireplace, or group a few together for a really luxurious display. With a little care to keep them cool and evenly moist, they will reward you with week after week of colour just when you need it most.

Whether as a thoughtful seasonal gift or a treat for your own home, this Azalea simsii in its smart ceramic pot is an easy way to bring a touch of classic elegance indoors.

Planting Instructions

Position & Light

• Suitable for indoor use.
• Choose a bright spot with indirect light – a north- or east-facing windowsill, or a light room out of harsh midday sun.
• Avoid very dark corners (flowering will be reduced) and hot, south-facing windows in full sun.

Temperature

• Azalea simsii prefers it cooler than most houseplants:
  • Ideal range: 10–18°C.
• Keep away from radiators, open fires, wood burners and hot, dry air, which will shorten the flowering period.
• A cool porch, conservatory or bright hallway is often perfect.

Watering

• These azaleas dislike drying out completely.
• Keep the compost consistently moist but not waterlogged:
  • Check with a finger; water when the surface feels just dry.
  • Let excess water drain away and do not leave the pot standing in water.
• If possible, use rainwater or softened, low-lime water, as azaleas are acid-loving. In hard-water areas, occasional use of rainwater is especially beneficial.

Humidity

• Azaleas appreciate a bit of extra moisture in the air:
  • You can stand the pot on a tray of pebbles with water below the pot base (not touching the compost) to increase humidity.
  • Light misting around (but not directly on) the flowers also helps in very dry rooms.

Feeding

• While in full flower, feed sparingly – they don’t need heavy feeding to perform.
• Once flowering is over and new growth begins, you can use a liquid fertiliser for acid-loving plants (e.g. for azaleas/rhododendrons) every 3–4 weeks during the growing season.

Flowering Time & Height

• Supplied in bud or flower for an almost instant display.
• Flowering typically lasts several weeks, especially if kept cool and evenly moist.
• Plants usually reach around 25–35 cm (10–14") in height, depending on variety and conditions.

After Flowering – What Next?

• Deadhead by gently removing faded blooms to keep the plant tidy.
• Continue to keep the compost moist and the plant in good light.
• In late spring and summer, you can move the plant outside to a shaded, sheltered spot (no scorching midday sun), keeping it moist and feeding occasionally with an ericaceous (acid-lover) feed.
• In many areas Azalea simsii is not fully hardy. Bring it back indoors to a cool, frost-free place before cold weather returns. With the right conditions, it may reward you with further flowering in future seasons, though it is often sold primarily as a seasonal indoor plant.

Safety

• As with many ornamental plants, indoor azaleas are not edible.
• Keep out of reach of pets and small children who might be tempted to nibble the leaves or flowers.