Azaleas: Spring Explosions of Color
Rhododendron spp.
Azaleas erupt in spring color that stops traffic. Evergreen types dominate southern gardens; deciduous natives thrive in colder zones. The key is acidic soil — test before planting and amend if needed.
Specifications
- Sun
- Part shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Hardiness zones
- 5–9
- Height
- 2–10 ft
- Bloom time
- Mid-spring
Care & growing tips
Plant in acidic (pH 4.5–6), well-drained soil with morning sun and afternoon shade. Mulch to keep roots cool and moist. Prune immediately after flowering — next year's buds form by mid-summer. Encore series reblooms in fall.
Companion plants
03Find azalea in your zone
15Zone-specific care, planting windows, and alternatives.
- Z5 Azalea in Zone 5
- Z5a Azalea in Zone 5a
- Z5b Azalea in Zone 5b
- Z6 Azalea in Zone 6
- Z6a Azalea in Zone 6a
- Z6b Azalea in Zone 6b
- Z7 Azalea in Zone 7
- Z7a Azalea in Zone 7a
- Z7b Azalea in Zone 7b
- Z8 Azalea in Zone 8
- Z8a Azalea in Zone 8a
- Z8b Azalea in Zone 8b
- Z9 Azalea in Zone 9
- Z9a Azalea in Zone 9a
- Z9b Azalea in Zone 9b
Frequently Asked Questions
01 Why are my azalea leaves yellow?
Usually iron deficiency from alkaline soil. Test soil pH — if above 6, amend with soil sulfur or use a fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants.
02 When should I prune azaleas?
Immediately after flowering — next year's buds form by mid-summer. Any pruning after July removes flower buds. Light shaping is all most azaleas need; heavy pruning should be reserved for rejuvenating overgrown plants.
03 Will Encore azaleas really bloom twice a year?
Yes — Encore series rebloom in summer and fall after the spring show. Need at least 6 hours of sun for reliable repeat bloom (more than traditional azaleas). In shadier spots they'll still flower in spring but not rebloom.
