- Partial Sun to Full Sun (At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 4 - 5 Feet
- Mature Spread 4 - 5 Feet
- Growing Zones 4 - 8
Gardeners in colder climates are often not able to successfully grow evergreen Azaleas because of heavy snowfalls or late frosts that blast the tender buds. Mandarin Lights Azalea is one of many deciduous Azaleas bred by the University of Minnesota to be the spring bloomer of the Northern gardener's dreams. Large clusters of fragrant flowers bloom well before the foliage appears. Mandarin Lights blooms are tough enough to survive the inevitable last hard frost of the season and still bloom beautifully and reliably. Mandarin Lights also has a more compact shape than other deciduous Azaleas. It requires minimal pruning.
Most early blooming shrubs are fantastic for attracting insect pollinators. Mandarin Lights is as well. The deep orange blooms and fragrance are irresistible to bees and hummingbirds as well as butterflies. Disease resistance has also been bred into this cultivar.
Mandarin Lights Azalea Care
Azaleas prefer a very acidic soil to keep their foliage as dark green as possible. An application of a slow release food for acid-loving plants is only needed after the blooming period has ended. Soil requirements are average, as long as there is good drainage. Regular watering is important the first year for a good establishment. After that, Mandarin lights will require very little extra irrigation.
Pruning is only needed once a year, after the blooming period has ended. The rate of growth for this Azalea is moderate. This Azalea has a bit of height which makes it good for the back of a woodland type planting scheme. It is also a natural to be included in an Asian inspired planting. Adding lovely form with its naked stems in the winter.
Mandarin Lights Azalea Spacing
Mandarin Lights have a height of 4-5 feet and a spread of 4-5 feet. Spacing of 5 feet, center on center, will ensure there is room for the branches of this graceful shrub to spread. Mandarin Lights is also good for large container planting. A pot of at least 24 inches in diameter is necessary and will require more attention to watering than if planted in the ground.
Mandarin Lights Azalea Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 - 8 |
Plant Type: Bushes |
Light Exposure: Partial Sun to Full Sun |
Mature Height: 4 - 5 Feet |
Mature Spread: 4 - 5 Feet |
Spacing: 4 - 5 Feet |
Habit: Mounded |
Flower Color(s): Orange |
Flower Description: Mandarin Orange |
Bloom Period: Early May |
Foliage Type: Deciduous |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Foliage Description: |
Seasonal Interest: Spring Flowering |
Watering: Average |
Resists: Disease |
Tolerates: Salt |
Attracts: Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Container Role: |
Uses: Wildlife Gardens |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Native to North America |
Brand: |
Common Name: Mandarin Lights Azalea |
Other Name(s): |
Scientific Name: AZALEA `MANDARIN LIGHTS` |
- SKU:
- 1231001712-pc
Container Sizes
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.
For more detailed information, please click here.
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Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
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Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.