Hardy Gardenia Azalea

Azalea ‘Hardy Gardenia’ is an amazing broadleaf evergreen shrub for the late spring and early summer garden. The fully double flowers are pure white and resemble gardenias when in full bloom, although this shrub is far easier and more cold hardy. The deep green foliage looks fresh year-round to provide a backdrop for lower-growing perennials and bulbs as well as structure to a garden border. 

Hardy Gardenia Azalea requires little annual maintenance to produce masses of white flowers and is also virtually pest- and disease-free. Low-growing, hardy azaleas are native to the mountainous regions of Asia and blend effortlessly in zen, minimalist, and formal hedged gardens. Deer and rabbit resistance is high.

Hardy Gardenia Azalea Care

Azaleas thrive in partial sun locations with well-drained, fertile soil high in organic material. Mulch annually with compost, finely shredded arborist chips, or shredded leaves to improve soil quality over time. Fertilize azaleas with a formula for acid-loving trees and shrubs after flowering in early summer. Azaleas are drought resistant after establishing, although supplemental watering is needed during periods of drought or hot weather and through the winter in climates with temperatures above 45 degrees F (7 C). 

Pruning is only required to shape Hardy Gardenia Azalea. Time the pruning for early summer just after flowering, as the flower buds are formed on the previous year’s growth. Deadheading after flowering will tidy up the shrubs and prepare the plant to form next year’s flowers. 

Provide winter protection for azaleas grown at the lower end of their growing range. Late freezes in the spring can damage flower buds, resulting in fewer flowers. Plant azaleas near a building or out of the path of prevailing wind to provide a good amount of protection from leaf scorch and bud blast. Move containers to a protected location and wrap them with a few layers of burlap or horticultural fabric to help insulate the root system. 

Hardy Gardenia Azalea Spacing

Space Azalea plants 2 feet apart when planting as a hedge. A wider distance of 4 feet will allow each plant to display its mounded shape and profusion of flowers in late spring. Plant Hardy Gardenia Azalea in a planter or other container with at least a 16-inch diameter.

Hardy Gardenia Azalea Information