Plant of the Week: Azaleas

There are many varieties of Azaleas- some grow quite large and only bloom in the spring time while others are smaller growing and bloom twice per year- spring and fall.
Some examples of Azaleas available are:

Formosa Azaleas:

There are several types of Formosa Azaleas however they all grow between 4-8 foot in height and 3-4 foot wide, however can be pruned to maintain a lower height. They are moderately salt tolerant and the deer usually do not eat them. They can grow in part sun to part shade. The different varieties most commonly found are Lavender, Red, George Taber (pink and white), and Gerbing (white) and all bloom with large flowers in the early spring.

Fashion Azalea:

Fashion azaleas are an excellent performing repeat blooming azalea. It grows about 3’-4’ high and wide and the flowers appear in spring and fall. In milder winters the flowers can persist the whole winter. The flowers are salmon colored only. They are not salt tolerant however the deer usually do not eat them.

Prize Azaleas:

This semi-dwarf Kurume variety is a winner for the garden! Tolerates a little more sun, has a dense-compact growing habit, sporadically blooms throughout the year, but, saves it most profuse blooming display for spring! The flowers are medium sized and red. They are not salt tolerant however the deer usually do not eat.

Red or Pink Ruffles:

Beautiful large clusters of double pink or red flowers blanket the entire plant on this semi dwarf azalea during spring bloom! When not in bloom makes a nice uniform green shrub that works well as a 3’4′ shrub. Will not tolerate hot, full afternoon sun. They are not salt tolerant however the deer usually do not eat.