August 1996
Foliage: Deciduous broadleaf
Height: 4 to 8 feet
Spread: 10 to 15 feet
Shape: Upright
Loose clusters of spring flowers are yellow, orange, pink, or red. Green summer foliage turns yellow to red in fall.
Zone: 5 to 8
Light: Partial shade to full sun
Moisture: Wet to moist
Soil Type: Sandy or loam
pH Range: 3.7 to 5.5
Suggested uses for this plant include specimen plant, border, massing, and naturalizing.
Plant in good, loamy, well-drained,
acid
topsoil.
Select a location protected from winter sun and
harsh winds.
Filtered sunlight is ideal. Morning sun with
shade after 1:00 p.m. is better in Tidewater
area.
Pruning is not necessary and should be avoided. Improper pruning is likely to destroy the natural shape of the plant.
Susceptible to occasional diseases and insects, but none are serious.
Consult local sources, including historic or public gardens and arboreta, regarding cultivars and related species that grow well in your area.
Cultivars of RHODODENDRON CALENDULACEUM:
Knap Hill Hybrids (including the Exbury hybrids)
are a complex group of hybrids with flowers in
pastel shades of cream, pink, yellow, and
orange. Many are hardy in cooler areas of
Virginia and have problems with heat and dryness
in Zone 8. Ghent hybrids and R.CALENDULACEUM
are among the parents of this group. ,p>
Deciduous azaleas are more cold hardy than
evergreen types and provide a mass of spring
color.
Do not expect to find bargains when buying
azaleas.
The following Extension publication may be
ordered through your local Extension office or
directly from:
Extension Distribution Center
112 Landsdowne Street
Blacksburg, VA 24061
#426-602 "Growing Azaleas and Rhododendrons"
#426-500 "Winter Injury to Trees and Shrubs"
This material was developed by Carol Ness as part of the
Interactive Design and Development Project funded by the Kellogg
Foundation. Mary Miller, Project Director. Diane Relf, Content
Specialist, Horticulture. Copyright 1989 by VCE.