CANDY LIGHTS AZALEA

3 gallon

$44.19

Rhododendron 'Candy Lights'

$44.19

Experience the enchanting beauty of the Candy Lights Azalea, a standout member of the renowned Northern Lights series from the University of Minnesota. This deciduous shrub is celebrated for its exceptional cold hardiness and intoxicating fragrance. In mid-spring, before its green foliage fully emerges, the plant is smothered in clusters of intense lavender-pink, trumpet-shaped flowers accented with a delicate buttery-yellow blotch. Ideal for northern gardens, this low-maintenance shrub provides a vibrant burst of color and a sweet perfume that attracts butterflies and hummingbirds alike.

Quick Facts

Mature Height	3-5 feet
Mature Spread	3-5 feet
Grow Zone	USDA Zone 5-8
Bloom Time	Spring (insignificant)

Plant Care

Will this plant thrive in your climate?

Make sure you live within USDA Zone 5-8 by checking our Grow Zone Guide.

Select a site with well-drained, highly acidic soil (pH 4.5–6.0). Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper. Amend soil with peat moss or pine bark to increase acidity and organic matter. Ensure the top of the root ball is slightly above the soil line to prevent root rot.

Prune immediately after the flowers fade in late spring or early summer. This allows the plant to set buds for the next year. Remove dead or damaged wood at any time. Avoid heavy pruning late in the season, as this will remove next year’s blooms.

Apply an acid-based, slow-release fertilizer (such as Holly-tone or a 2-1-1 ratio mix) in early spring. A second, lighter application can be done after blooming finishes. Do not fertilize after mid-July, as this can stimulate new growth that won't harden off before winter.

Apply a 2–4 inch layer of organic mulch (pine needles or bark) around the base to protect shallow roots from freezing and thawing. In areas with heavy rabbit activity, consider a hardware cloth cage. For young plants in very exposed sites, a burlap screen can protect against drying winter winds.

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