Tip: Azaleas (Rhododendron) are some of the most dazzling shrubs!

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION - www.extension.umn.edu

All about azaleas

Azaleas (Rhododendron) are some of the most dazzling shrubs! Breeding azaleas at the U of M began in 1957 with the first cultivar ‘Northern Lights’ released in 1978. The ‘Lights’ series of hardy azaleas has since increased to 16 cultivars; the latest is ‘Electric Lights Red’, a true red azalea. The ‘Lights’ azaleas are hardy to zone 3 with bud hardiness to -30° to -45° F. Azaleas do well in cool spring temperatures, grow in full to part sun, and require well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5 or lower. Fertilize azaleas twice a year with an acid fertilizer.