Azaleas and Rhododendrons
As soon as one moves into areas colder than Zone 6 growing Azaleas and Rhododendrons becomes as with many other plant groups a matter of choosing the proper varieties. The gardener looking for the large leafed types of Rhododendron must be particularly careful. All our Rhododendrons have been tested for hardiness in Zone 4.
Azalea and Rhododendron area
Photo taken at the nursery, June 6, 2001.
Azaleas offer a much richer rainbow of colors and there are many varieties that will succeed in proper site. Azaleas prefer a site protected from drying north winds and having filtered light if possible. They require a fairly acid soil, (optimum pH is 4.5 - 5.2), If your soil is too alkaline add sulphur to the soil to bring it to the proper level. Plant in rich organic soil that maintains moisture but is well drained. Mulch soil surface.
The Rhododendrons listed below require an acid soil but will tolerate up to a pH of 5.8 or so. They also prefer a fairly well lit site. All varieties are potted. Other varieties than those listed below are available at the nursery.
Number in parentheses is hardiness zone, see Zone Map
Olga Rhododendron
Azaleas
- Apricot Surprise (3) - 1.5m. Very fragrant, late season bloomer.
- Golden Lights (3) - 2m. From the Northern Lights series. Extremely hardy, upright grower with golden yellow blooms.
- Lemon Lights (3) - 2m. True yellow, fragrant.
- Mandarin Lights (3) - 2m. Showy orange-red, vigorous.
- Northern Hi-lights (3) - 2m. Very fragrant white with yellow highlights.
- Orchid Lights (3) - 1.5m. A new introduction from Minnesota. Extremely hardy, dense, compact shrub with clusters of pink bloom in spring.
- Rosy Lights (3) - 1.5m. Deep rose pink color. Deep green foliage. A knockout.
- White Lights (3) - 1.5m. Clusters of white flowers with the slightest hint of pink on a compact plant.
Rhododendron Foliage
Rhododendrons
- Haaga (4) 2m. - Dark pink, vigorous and hardy, from Finland.
- Hellikki (4) 1.5m. - New hardy large-leafed variety from Finland. Violet-red blooms.
- Helsinki University (4) 2m. - New pink introduction from Finland.
- Mikkelli (4) 2m. - White, tinted pink, vigorous and lush, Finland.
- Northern Starburst (4) 2m. - Larger version of 'PJM'.
- Peter Tigerstedt (4) 2m. - Large-leafed variety, white with violet flecking. Extremely hardy new rhodo from Finland.(Sold out of all sizes)
- Pohjola's Daughter (4) 1.5m. - Pure white blooms on a compact plant.
- Purple Gem (4) .5m. - Wide, low, small leaved, deep purple blooms
| Prices | Potted | |
| 1 gal. | $25.00 | |
| 2 gal. | $45.00 | |
