Northern Hi-Lights Azalea (Rhododendron ‘Northern Hi-Lights’) showcases creamy white blooms accented by a brilliant yellow blotch on each flower, creating a striking focal point in mid-spring. These fragrant, trumpet-shaped blossoms appear in clusters before the fresh green leaves unfurl. This compact shrub grows about 4 to 5 feet tall and wide. As autumn approaches, the mildew-resistant foliage turns a deep burgundy red, adding another season of color.
Northern Hi-Lights Azalea tolerates dappled sunlight and appreciates partial shade in warmer regions. This deciduous Azalea was developed by the University of Minnesota for robust cold hardiness, down to zone 4. Deer typically avoid the aromatic blooms, and the shrub is known for its low-maintenance once established. Use it as a foundation specimen, group several for a colorful hedge, or place it in containers where a pop of spring color is needed. Butterflies often visit the flowers, further enhancing its garden appeal.
Northern Hi-Lights Azalea Care
Select a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade, or bright filtered light throughout the day. Mix organic matter into the soil to improve drainage, targeting a pH range of about 5.0 to 5.5 for best results. Provide regular watering, especially during dry spells, ensuring the soil never remains soggy. A balanced, acid-forming fertilizer in early spring promotes lush foliage and abundant blooms. Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and moderate soil temperature.
Prune lightly after the flowering period, snipping off spent blooms while avoiding damage to fresh buds. Pinching any leggy shoots helps maintain a fuller shape, although extensive trimming is seldom required. Container-grown azaleas may need extra attention, including occasional root maintenance if they become pot-bound. For winter care, a protective layer of mulch around the root zone can help minimize cold-related stress in harsh climates.
Northern Hi-Lights Azalea Spacing
Space plants about 3 to 4 feet apart when forming a hedge or mass planting. For a single specimen or less formal arrangements, extend spacing to 4 to 5 feet, allowing each shrub to develop its natural mounded form. A container with a diameter of at least 14 inches provides the necessary room for root growth when starting out. Upgrade to a larger pot if the azalea shows signs of overcrowding or becomes root-bound.
- SKU:
- 1231014786-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.

Quart Pot
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

2.5 Quart
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

#1 Pot
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

#2 Pot
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

#3 Pot
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

#5 Pot
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

Best in Class Warranty
We stand behind our plants with industry-leading guarantees to give you peace of mind.
Arrival Guarantee
We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Free 1-Year Plant Warranty
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
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 Spring Shipping Schedule
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 Shipping Now
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.