Best grown in rich, humusy, acidic, medium moisture, well-drained soil in part shade. Organically rich, moisture-retentive soils that drain well are the key. Poor drainage can cause root rot, and raised plantings should be considered in heavy clay soils. Shallow roots must never be allowed to dry out and appreciate a good organic mulch (e.g., bark, oak leaf or pine needle) to retain moisture and stabilize soil temperatures. Pruning is usually not necessary.
This deciduous azalea (commonly called early azalea or roseshell azalea) is a Missouri native shrub which typically occurs on wooded, north-facing slopes and wooded ravines and along streams in the far southeastern part of the State. Pink flowers appear in early spring (April-May in St. Louis) before or at the time of the emergence of the foliage. Flowers (to 1.5" long) are in trusses of 5-9 flowers each and have a pleasant, clove-like fragrance. Bright green foliage (grayish woolly beneath) turns bronzish in fall. Extremely winter hardy (grows in the wild as far north as Quebec) and is one of the parents of the Northern Lights hybrids developed by the University of Minnesota. An upright, rounded shrub which typically grows 4-8' tall (less frequently to 15' tall) and as wide. Formerly known as Rhododendron roseum.
Susceptible to an impressive list of potential diseases and insect predators, including but not limited to powdery mildew, blights, root rots, leaf spots, galls, aphids, borers, lacebugs, scale, leafhoppers, mealy bugs, thrips, whiteflies and mites. A healthy plant in the proper environment in good soil with proper care should have limited problems, however.
Specimen, mass or group. Woodland gardens, shrub or mixed borders, native plant gardens or foundation plantings.
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Missouri Botanical Garden
4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63110(314) 577-5100 hours and admission
Butterfly House
Faust Park, 15193 Olive Blvd. Chesterfield, MO 63017(636) 530-0076 hours and admission
Shaw Nature Reserve
Hwy. 100 & I-44 Gray Summit, MO 63039(636) 451-3512 hours and admission