Mandarin Lights Azalea

Light Needs

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 to 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.