Tradition Azalea is a compact reblooming evergreen hybrid shrub with small dark leaves and mounding habit.  Small, funnel-shaped, medium pink with purple hues flowers bloom beginning mid-spring and reblooms throughout the season.  Cold winters may freeze the flower buds and reduce bloom come spring, and leaves may experience winter burn.  A very versatile plant that prefers partial sun with acidic rich, well-drained soils.  Azaleas are excellent pollination and butterfly attractors.

MAINTENANCE NEEDS: Low maintenance.  Moderate water needs, properly drained soils is a must to avoid root rot.  Mulch helps to keep roots from drying out. Keep away from drip lines of the walnut family. Acidify soils as needed (PH range of 5 to 6.5) Southern climates with excessive humidity are more prone to powdery mildew, twig blights, and rust.  Azaleas are prone to many diseases and pest problems, but the proper environment and care should negate most of them.

LANDSCAPE USES:   Accents or Group Plantings, Borders, Woodland Gardens, Wildlife Gardens, Naturalized Areas, Foundational Plantings, Hedges, and Containers.

COMPANION PLANTS:  Mahonia, Higan Cherry, Camellia

Image: Photo by David J. Stang, Azalea Tradition 0zz, CC BY-SA 4.0