Azalea
Rhododendron
Azalea Plant Features
In the spring, no other flowering shrub can come close the spectacular beauty of azaleas. These amazing plants practically cover themselves with beautiful clusters of showy flowers in a host of colors. Most azaleas bloom once in the spring, but some varieties will re-bloom once their spring show is over. Then, they'll produce another wave of flowers in the summer and again in the fall. Azaleas prefer a partially shady location and do well under the canopy of taller deciduous trees. The plants will eventually grow 5 feet tall and 5 feet wide so be sure to give them plenty of room to stretch out as they mature. Hardy from zones 6-9.
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Azalea Growing Instructions
Most azaleas grow best in partial or light shade, and moist, well-drained soil that has an acidic pH. They don't tolerate drought well, so be sure to plant them in a spot where you can provide them with additional moisture if your area suffers from dry spells. Because azaleas like acidic soil, you may need to use soil amendments such as soil sulfur or aluminum sulfate to keep the leaves a rich, dark green color.
Azaleas are not recommended for animal or human consumption.
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Light
Outside: Part sun
Outside: Shade -
Colors
Pink, Red, White
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Water
Medium water needs
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Special Features
Attracts butterflies
Attracts hummingbirds
Complement your Azalea with these varieties:
In the springtime, Bleeding heart and Azalea are a winning combination.
Brighten the lower stems of Azaleas with a carpet of Ajuga planted up front.
Tall, large-leaved Hosta varieties are pretty enough to hold their own planted next to Azaleas.
Varieties: Our Favorites
Coral Bells Azalea
Rhododendron 'Coral Bells'
Coral-pink trumpet-shaped flowers appear in spring over a mass of dark green foliage. ‘Coral Bells’ is a low-growing, compact form that makes a good foundation plant. It grows 4 feet tall.
Encore Autumn Amethyst Azalea
Rhododendron 'Encore Autumn Amethyst'
The stunning purple flowers of ‘Encore Autumn Amethyst’ azalea appear in spring, mid-summer, and again in fall. Each flower is lightly brushed with dark pink. Plants grow 4 feet tall.
Encore Autumn Embers Azalea
Rhododendron 'Encore Autumn Embers'
Light up your shade garden with ‘Encore Autumn Embers’ azalea. This re-bloomer produces scores of fiery red blooms in spring, summer, and autumn. Plants grow 3 feet tall.
Fashion Azalea
Rhododendron 'Fashion'
Dress up your landscape with ‘Fashion’ azalea. This upright variety grows 4 to 6 feet tall and is covered in orange-red spring flowers. Use it as a specimen plant or in a flowering-shrub border.
Formosa Azalea
Rhododendron 'Formosa'
The eye-catching orchid-and-white flowers of Formosa azalea will transform any shady corner into a festival of spring bloom. The plants can grow 6 to 8 feet tall.
George Tabor Azalea
Rhododendron 'George Tabor'
A vigorous plant that’s smothered in lavender-pink blooms in the early spring, ‘George Tabor’ azalea makes a great flowering hedge. It can grow 8 feet tall.
Hersey Red Azalea
Rhododendron 'Hersey Red'
An easy-care, compact variety that grows just 4 feet tall, ‘Hershey Red’ azalea produces spectacular bright red flowers every spring.
Hino Crimson Azalea
Rhododendron 'Hino Crimson'
A bit cold hardier than other azaleas, ‘Hino-Crimson’ is smothered in bright bloom every spring. The plant grows 2 to 4 feet tall. Zones 5-8
Karen Azalea
Rhododendron 'Karen'
Hardy to zone 4, ‘Karen’ azalea is a good choice for more northern locations. The plants can grow 2 to 4 feet tall produce lavender-purple blooms. Hardy from zones 4-9.
Pink Ruffle Azalea
Rhododendron 'Pink Ruffle'
The ruffled petals of ‘Pink Ruffle’ azalea give this gorgeous plant its name. A good choice for southern regions, this plant grows 2 to 4 feet tall. Hardy in zones 8 and 9.