
Light Needs

Mature Height

Mature Spread

Growing Zones
Garden Rainbow Azalea (Rhododendron ‘Garden Rainbow’) delivers a radiant color show in late spring when its sunny yellow flowers gradually turn orange and then pink. These tricolor blooms unfold in early June, creating a spectacular rainbow effect that draws attention to any landscape. The upright, deciduous habit reaches about four to five feet tall and three to four feet wide, making it a striking accent or backdrop in garden beds. Mildew-resistant foliage adds further appeal by staying fresh and green well after the flowers fade. This versatile selection shines as a single specimen or in groupings along wood lines and borders.
Large trumpet-shaped blossoms attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators, transforming your garden into a lively haven for wildlife. Native to regions with moderate climates, Garden Rainbow Azalea grows best in Zones 5 to 8, tolerating varied conditions while delivering steady performance. Its wide, upright form also fits well into woodland gardens, cottage borders, and mixed shrub plantings. Consider showcasing it in semi-shaded areas for a beautiful, natural look that still brings dramatic splashes of color.
Garden Rainbow Azalea Care
Plant this azalea in acidic soil with good drainage, making sure the location receives partial sun or filtered light. Amend the planting area with organic matter if your soil requires improved fertility or drainage. Water routinely to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during active growth and flowering, but avoid waterlogged conditions. A slow-release, acid-specific fertilizer applied in early spring gives the shrub a nutrient boost. A light layer of mulch around the base helps conserve moisture and maintain a comfortable soil temperature.
Pruning typically takes place right after flowering, removing spent blooms and shaping the plant if necessary. Thinning out crowded branches improves airflow and reduces the likelihood of fungal issues. Consider light pinching or trimming to maintain a tidy shape, especially if grown in containers. In colder climates, a protective layer of mulch around the root zone may benefit the plant through winter.
Garden Rainbow Azalea Spacing
Allow about three feet between each shrub if planting a hedge or grouping for a consistent look. For a more open design or to maintain space between plants, place them five to seven feet apart. In container arrangements, pick a pot at least 12 to 16 inches wide with adequate drainage for the root system. Adjust the container size or spacing as the azalea matures, ensuring it has room to showcase its colorful blooms.
Garden Rainbow Azalea Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 - 8 |
Plant Type: |
Light Exposure: Partial Shade (3-5 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 4 - 5 Feet |
Mature Spread: 3 - 4 Feet |
Spacing: 3-4 Feet |
Habit: Upright |
Flower Color(s): Orange, Pink, Yellow |
Flower Description: Yellow, To Orange To Pink |
Bloom Period: Late Spring |
Foliage Type: Deciduous |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Foliage Description: Green |
Seasonal Interest: Spring Flowering |
Watering: Average |
Resists: Pests & Insects |
Tolerates: Drought |
Attracts: Bees, Butterflies |
Container Role: Thriller |
Uses: Borders, Specimen or Focal Point |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Low Maintenance |
Brand: |
Common Name: Garden Rainbow Azalea |
Other Name(s): N/A |
Scientific Name: Azalea `Garden Rainbow` |
- SKU:
- 1231014568-pc
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.

Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts

Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts

Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts

Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons

Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons

Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons

We stand behind our plants with industry-leading guarantees to give you peace of mind.
We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
All bushes, perennials & trees come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.

Pre-ordered plants are scheduled to ship in Spring 2025. We carefully plan our shipping dates based on your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone to ensure optimal planting conditions upon arrival. Want it sooner/later? Reach out, and we'll try our best to accommodate.
Estimated ship week for pre-ordered plants will ship based on growing zones as shown below.
Growing Zone | Estimated Ship Week |
---|---|
Zone 10 | March 24th |
Zone 9 | March 31st |
Zone 8 | April 7th |
Zone 7 | April 14th |
Zone 6b | April 21st |
Zone 6a | April 28th |
Zone 5b | May 5th |
Zone 5a | May 12th |
Zone 4 | May 19th |
Zone 3 | May 26th |
Note: These are only estimated ship dates. Plants may ship out later depending on weather & growing conditions of the plant.
Note: Only plants indicated as pre-order will ship as shown above. All other plants and hard goods will ship as normal.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.