Rhododendron x
The Deciduous Azalea offers one of the most spectacular displays of all spring-flowering shrubs. Early in spring, the bare stems support clusters of vibrant blooms, followed by lush green foliage that serves as a striking backdrop for the rest of the garden once the blooms have faded.
As with all azaleas and rhododendrons, Deciduous Azaleas need acidic soil to thrive. Use acidifying fertilizers regularly to maintain a lower soil pH.
Featured Varieties:
Gibraltar – Buds begin rusty-red and open to bright orange, frilled blooms. 4-5ft tall and wide.
Double Pink Lights – Bubblegum pink flowers boast twice the color with double blooms. 6-7 ft tall by 4-5 ft wide.
Lemon Lights – Lemon yellow single blooms with gently ruffled edges. 4-6 ft tall by 3-4 ft wide.
Mandarin Lights – Fiery orange and scarlet blooms with slight ruffling. 4-5 ft tall by 3-4 ft wide.
Rosy Lights – Deep rose-pink blooms with a darker center and pointed petals. 5-6 ft tall and wide.
- Azaleas need shade through Missouri’s hot summers, but they bloom best with at least 4 hours of morning sun.
- Avoid planting in soggy or poorly-draining sites, as Azaleas are prone to overwatering. However, they also don’t like to dry out completely! Mixing compost into the soil at planting time and using a wood mulch will help maintain even soil moisture.
- Azaleas strongly prefer acidic soils. Regular use of a soil acidifier such as Aluminum Sulfate or an azalea-specific fertilizer will help achieve the lower pH, but it will dissipate over time. Growing healthy azaleas requires more care than most shrubs for this reason!
- Azaleas don’t typically require pruning. If needed, they can be trimmed after the spring bloom, but before July.
