‘Hilda Niblett’

By Ms Sherry

This glorious ornamental evergreen shrub is an azalea, a Robin Hill hybrid by the name of ‘Hilda Niblett’. This beauty reaches only about two to three feet high and around. Its blooming season is much later that the Southern Indica hybrids (like ‘Pride of Mobile’ and ‘George Lindley Taber’) coming into flower in May in my climate zone (7B-8A) when the danger of frost has really passed. They are a little harder to find in the trade, but if you live in an area where late frosts frequently destroy your azalea show, then this hybrid is one to try.

The tri colored flowers completely cover this beautifully shaped shrub. ‘Hilda Niblett’, like other azalea hybrids, prefers morning or filtered sun and good drainage in fertile, acid soil. An important point to remember when you plant all azaleas is never to plant them too deep. In fact, the top of the root ball should be an inch over the soil line. Dig a wide hole, but absolutely no deeper than the root ball of the shrub to be planted. Return the native soil to the hole (without amending the soil with anything) as research now indicates that it is better to plant a shrub or a tree in native soil to encourage the plant to form a good root system in the native soil.  Water well; and mulch with pine straw or bark, making sure that the mulch does not touch the stem of the plant.  Azaleas are not drought tolerant and need watering especially in dry periods.

Be prepared to be amazed and enchanted with this jewel of an azalea. Their small footprint makes them ideal for most gardens.