Azaleas and Rhodies, too

I hope these pictures might encourage more of us to try this wonderful shrub. It is one of the first indicators that spring is nearing.

Also, Spring is here, when the Fall planted

bulbs are popping, and for those lucky enough, the Azaleas are getting ready for their Spring Splash right now.  This flowering shrub is in the Rhododendron genus, blooms in the early Spring and the flower can last several weeks.

As with most Rhododendrons, they are acid loving, shade tolerant and prefer living near or under trees, conifers being their favorite.  They are shallow rooted and require well-drained soil.  They can be found as far North as Zone 3, but are their most reliable in Zone 6. That's us!! A lightly shaded site with loose, acidic humus rich soil is ideal. Also not too dry or too moist. You can amend the soil by adding in compost and fertilizing with a fertilizer designed specifically for acid loving plants. Mulch with pine needles and why not add your coffee grounds?? They're acidic too.

There are over 10,000 different cultivars, propagated by cuttings.  Seeds can be collected  and germinated.  Colors range from white, pale yellow to bright orange and crimson red.  The foliage turns bright yellow in the Fall for a final treat.

 This variety starts out white but has a dark rose flower center that eventually emerges.

This one is an apricot color and is just starting to bud out. 

The Chinese culture refers to this beautiful bush as the "thinking of home bush." For those who love and own Azaleas, this is surely true.

Submitted by cb.