Azaleas, members of the Rhododendron genus, are beloved flowering shrubs celebrated for their spectacular spring displays. They boast an incredible diversity in size, shape, and flower color, ranging from vibrant reds and pinks to delicate whites and purples. While many are deciduous, shedding their leaves in winter, some evergreen varieties retain their foliage year-round, adding continuous interest to the garden.
These beautiful bushes thrive in well-drained, acidic soil rich in organic matter. They prefer dappled shade, especially in hotter climates, as direct afternoon sun can scorch their delicate leaves and flowers. Proper watering is crucial, particularly during dry spells and when the plants are establishing, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Azaleas are broadly categorized into two main types: evergreen and deciduous. Evergreen azaleas, often native to Asia, are popular in warmer regions for their year-round foliage and abundant blooms. Deciduous azaleas, which include many North American native species, offer a stunning array of flower forms and often possess fragrant blossoms, with some even providing brilliant fall foliage color.
Pruning azaleas is generally minimal and best done immediately after they finish flowering to avoid cutting off the next year’s flower buds. This helps maintain their shape, remove any dead or diseased branches, and encourage bushier growth. Regular fertilization with an acid-loving plant food can also promote healthier growth and more prolific blooming.
With their captivating beauty and relatively easy care, azaleas are a popular choice for borders, foundation plantings, and woodland gardens. They can transform a landscape into a breathtaking showcase of color, bringing joy to gardeners and admirers alike with their stunning floral abundance each spring.
Evergreen Pink Azaleas
‘Coral Bells’ (Kurume Hybrid)
- Description: A compact evergreen with small, soft pink, hose-in-hose (double) flowers.
- Size: 2–3 feet tall, 3–4 feet wide.
- Features: Early spring blooms, zones 6–9, dense growth, ideal for low hedges or containers.
- Care: Partial shade, acidic soil (pH 4.5–6.0), consistent moisture.
‘Gumpo Pink’ (Satsuki Hybrid)
- Description: A low, spreading evergreen with large, ruffled light pink flowers, often with darker pink flecks.
- Size: 1–2 feet tall, 2–3 feet wide.
- Features: Late spring to early summer blooms, zones 7–9, suits rock gardens or bonsai.
- Care: Partial shade, well-drained acidic soil, minimal pruning.
‘Fashion’ (Glenn Dale Hybrid)
- Description: An upright evergreen with salmon-pink to coral-pink, single blooms.
- Size: 4–6 feet tall, 3–5 feet wide.
- Features: Mid spring blooms, zones 6–9, vigorous growth, great for borders or screens.
- Care: Partial shade, acidic soil, mulch to retain moisture.
‘Autumn Chiffon’ (Encore Hybrid)
- Description: A reblooming evergreen with light pink, single blooms with darker pink freckles, flowering in spring, summer, and fall.
- Size: 2.5–3 feet tall, 3–3.5 feet wide.
- Features: Zones 7–10, compact, ideal for continuous color in small gardens.
- Care: Partial shade, well-drained acidic soil, fertilize lightly post-bloom.
‘Girard’s Rose’ (Girard Hybrid)
- Description: A compact evergreen with deep rose-pink, single blooms, slightly fragrant.
- Size: 2–3 feet tall, 2–3 feet wide.
- Features: Mid spring blooms, zones 5–8, cold-hardy, glossy foliage, suits small gardens or low hedges.
- Care: Partial shade, acidic soil (pH 4.5–6.0), consistent moisture, mulch for protection.
‘Pink Pearl’ (Southern Indica Hybrid)
- Description: A vigorous evergreen with large, soft pink flowers, often with a lighter center.
- Size: 4–6 feet tall, 5–7 feet wide.
- Features: Early spring blooms, zones 7–10, thrives in warm climates, ideal for screens or specimen planting.
- Care: Partial shade to filtered sun, well-drained acidic soil, regular watering.
‘Hino Crimson’ (Kurume Hybrid)
- Description: A dwarf evergreen with small, vivid pink to crimson-pink single flowers.
- Size: 2–3 feet tall, 3–4 feet wide.
- Features: Early spring blooms, zones 6–9, dense growth, perfect for borders or rock gardens.
- Care: Partial shade, acidic soil, light pruning to maintain shape.
‘Autumn Carnation’ (Encore Hybrid)
- Description: A reblooming evergreen with bright pink, semi-double blooms in spring, summer, and fall.
- Size: 3–4 feet tall, 3–4 feet wide.
- Features: Zones 7–10, compact, ideal for continuous color in mixed beds or containers.
- Care: Partial shade, well-drained acidic soil, fertilize lightly after blooms.
‘Pink Cascade’ (North Tisbury Hybrid)
- Description: A low, spreading evergreen with soft pink, single flowers, great as ground cover.
- Size: 1–2 feet tall, 3–4 feet wide.
- Features: Mid spring blooms, zones 6–9, cascading habit, suits slopes or hanging baskets.
- Care: Partial shade, acidic soil, keep moist, minimal pruning.
Deciduous Pink Azaleas
‘Rosy Lights’ (Northern Lights Hybrid)
- Description: A cold-hardy deciduous azalea with deep rose-pink, trumpet-shaped flowers, lightly fragrant.
- Size: 4–5 feet tall, 3–4 feet wide.
- Features: Early spring blooms, zones 3–7, vibrant fall foliage, suits cold climates.
- Care: Partial shade, acidic soil, tolerates wetter soils.
Rhododendron viscosum ‘Pink Mist’ (Swamp Azalea)
- Description: A native deciduous azalea with fragrant, pale pink to white-pink tubular flowers.
- Size: 5–8 feet tall, 4–6 feet wide.
- Features: Late spring to early summer blooms, zones 4–9, thrives in wet soils, attracts pollinators.
- Care: Partial shade, moist acidic soil, ideal for rain gardens.
‘Homebush’ (Knap Hill Hybrid)
- Description: A deciduous azalea with vivid pink, semi-double flowers in dense, rounded clusters.
- Size: 5–6 feet tall, 4–5 feet wide.
- Features: Late spring blooms, zones 5–8, orange-red fall foliage, great for mass plantings.
- Care: Partial shade, acidic soil, keep well-watered during dry spells.
‘Irene Koster’ (Mollis Hybrid)
- Description: A deciduous azalea with soft pink, fragrant, single blooms with a yellow throat.
- Size: 4–5 feet tall, 4–6 feet wide.
- Features: Early to mid spring blooms, zones 5–8, colorful fall foliage, suits woodland gardens.
- Care: Partial shade, acidic soil, light pruning after bloom.
‘Pink Delight’ (Mollis Hybrid)
- Description: A deciduous azalea with vibrant pink, fragrant flowers, blooming before leaves emerge.
- Size: 4–5 feet tall, 4–6 feet wide.
- Features: Early spring blooms, zones 5–8, orange-yellow fall foliage, great for woodland gardens.
- Care: Partial shade, moist acidic soil, water during dry spells.
Rhododendron canescens ‘Camilla’s Blush’ (Piedmont Azalea)
- Description: A native deciduous azalea with pale pink, fragrant blooms, often with a yellow throat.
- Size: 6–10 feet tall, 5–8 feet wide.
- Features: Mid spring blooms, zones 5–9, native to southeastern U.S., attracts pollinators, suits naturalized areas.
- Care: Partial shade, moist acidic soil, tolerates wet conditions.
‘Pink and Sweet’ (Weston Hybrid)
- Description: A deciduous azalea with soft pink, highly fragrant flowers and a compact habit.
- Size: 3–4 feet tall, 3–4 feet wide.
- Features: Late spring blooms, zones 4–8, red-orange fall foliage, ideal for small gardens or pollinator beds.
- Care: Partial shade, acidic soil, light pruning post-bloom.
‘Corneille’ (Ghent Hybrid)
- Description: A deciduous azalea with double, pale pink to blush-pink flowers, strongly fragrant.
- Size: 5–6 feet tall, 4–5 feet wide.
- Features: Mid to late spring blooms, zones 5–8, golden fall foliage, perfect for cottage gardens.
- Care: Partial shade, well-drained acidic soil, avoid waterlogged roots.
General Care Tips for Pink Azaleas
- Light: Partial shade; too much sun fades pink blooms, too little reduces flowering.
- Soil: Acidic (pH 4.5–6.0), well-drained, organic-rich.
- Watering: Keep moist; mulch to retain water.
- Pruning: Trim lightly post-bloom to shape; avoid heavy cuts.
- Fertilizer: Use acid-loving plant formula in spring; avoid excess.
N/B
- Pink azaleas range from pale (‘Gumpo Pink’) to bold (‘Homebush’), suiting various aesthetics.
- Evergreen types (‘Coral’, ‘(‘Autumn Chiffon’) excel in warmer zones, while deciduous (‘Rosy’, ‘(‘Pink Mist’) thrive in colder areas.
- Fragrant options (‘Pink Mist’, ‘Irene’) and‘Irene Koster’) enhance sensory gardens, attracting pollinators.
- Reblooming ‘Autumn Chiffon’ ensures prolonged color.