Karen Azalea

Rhododendron 'Karen'

Karen Azalea is an unusually hardy evergreen  shrub with an upright mounding habit and narrow dark green leaves that turns brilliant burgundy in fall.  The heavy blooms of rich lavender-purple flowers begin to bloom in  spring.  A very versatile plant that prefers  partial sun with acidic rich, well-drained soils.  

MAINTENANCE NEEDS: Low maintenance.  Moderate water needs, properly drained soils is a must to avoid root rot.  Mulch helps to keep roots from drying out. Keep away from drip lines of the walnut family. Acidify soils as needed (PH range of 5 to 6.5) Southern climates with excessive humidity are more prone to powdery mildew, twig blights, and rust.  Azaleas are prone to many diseases and pest problems, but the proper environment and care should negate most of them.

LANDSCAPE USES:   Accents or Group Plantings,  Borders,  Woodland Gardens,  Wildlife Gardens,  Naturalized Areas, Foundational Plantings, Hedges, and Containers.

COMPANION PLANTS:  Azalea ,  Japanese Maple,  Camellia

IMAGES: Photo by David J. Stang,  Rhododendron Karen 4zz,  CC BY-SA 4.0, (2) Photo by David J. Stang,  Azalea Karen 1zz,  CC BY-SA 4.0, (3) Photo by David J. Stang,  Rhododendron Karen 0zz,  CC BY-SA 4.0, (4) Photo by David J. Stang,  Rhododendron x gable Karen 0zz,  CC BY-SA 4.0, (5) Photo by David J. Stang,  Rhododendron Karen 3zz,  CC BY-SA 4.0

*As plants have ranges in appearance they may not appear as the images shown.