Rosy Lights Azalea

Light Needs

Partial Sun to Full Sun

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

4-5 Feet

Mature Spread

5-6 Feet

Growing Zones

4 to 8

Gardeners searching for a vibrant pink azalea tolerating frigid temps have no further to look than Rosy Lights Azalea. A member of the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum’s Northern Light series, this semi-evergreen tolerates temperatures as low as -30 degrees F. Rosy Lights features copious 2-3-inch fragrant fuchsia flowers shaded with rosy streaks. The flowers are accompanied by glossy green foliage for a lovely contrast. Otherwise known as Rhododendron ‘Rosy Lights’, this shrub reaches 4 to 5 feet high and 5 to 6 feet wide at maturity. This low-maintenance perennial wipes away winter’s doldrums with a rosy wave in spring, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies and supporting local bees.

Rosy Lights Azalea’s classy burst of pink brightens landscapes as a specimen or in mass plantings. This lovely ornamental provides early spring color for borders, beds, and foundation plantings. It develops an attractive mounded form that works well in a hedge or Asian and woodland gardens. Also disease resistant and salt tolerant, Rosy Lights is a great low-maintenance choice for a new home’s foundation planting. 

Rosy Lights Azalea Care

To encourage good health and abundant blooms, plant Rosy Lights in full sun to partial sun. Morning sun followed by afternoon shade will help prevent foliage sunburn. Plant in moist, humusy, well-draining, acidic soil. Amend poorly draining or nutrient-deficient soil with compost or well-rotted manure. Apply a 3-inch ring of mulch to prevent water loss due to evaporation. This shrub requires about an inch of water every week. Water when the top one inch is dry. Apply a fertilizer designed for acid-loving plants in the spring, along with organic compost or iron sulfate if the soil is too alkaline.

Rosy Lights Azalea does not require frequent pruning. To support its overall health, remove any damaged, dead, diseased and crossed branches, working to open the canopy to more light and air circulation. Since this azalea blooms on old wood, it will form the following year’s buds in late summer. As a result, prune after flowering in May.

Rosy Lights Azalea Spacing

Space each shrub 5 to 6 feet apart to create a hedge or privacy screen. In gardens, add companion plants such as daffodils, hostas, and mountain laurels.

SKU:

1231002040-pc