ROSY LIGHTS AZALEA

3 gallon

$44.19

AZALEA X 'ROSY LIGHTS'

$44.19

Part of the University of Minnesota’s famous "Northern Lights" series, the Rosy Lights Azalea is an absolute powerhouse of color and fragrance for cooler climates. This deciduous shrub is celebrated for its incredible flower production, often appearing completely smothered in clusters of deep rosy-pink, trumpet-shaped blooms before the foliage even fully emerges. Its extreme cold hardiness—withstanding temperatures down to $-30^\circ\text{F}$ —makes it a dependable specimen for northern gardeners who want the exotic look of an azalea without the winter worry.

Quick Facts

Mature Height	4-6 feet
Mature Spread	4-6 feet
Grow Zone	USDA Zones 3-7
Bloom Time	Mid-spring to Early Summer (May-June)

Plant Care

Will this plant thrive in your climate?

Make sure you live within USDA Zones 3-7 by checking our Grow Zone Guide.

Choose a site with well-drained, acidic soil (pH 4.5-5.5) that receives partial sun to full sun. While tolerant of more sun than many azaleas, some afternoon shade in hot climates can prevent leaf scorch. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Loosen any circling roots.

Place the plant in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the surrounding soil line. Backfill with native soil amended with compost or peat moss. Water thoroughly after planting and apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch to conserve moisture and regulate temperature.

Rosy Lights Azaleas generally require minimal pruning. The best time to prune is immediately after flowering in late spring to early summer. This allows the plant to set flower buds for the following year.

Avoid heavy pruning, as it can reduce the following year's bloom. If rejuvenation pruning is needed, remove up to one-third of the oldest stems over a period of 2-3 years.

Fertilize in early spring before new growth begins, or immediately after flowering. Use a fertilizer specifically formulated for acid-loving plants, such as those for rhododendrons and azaleas. A slow-release granular fertilizer is often ideal.

Alternatively, you can use an organic option like cottonseed meal. Avoid fertilizing late in the season, as this can encourage tender new growth vulnerable to frost.

Renowned for its excellent cold hardiness, extensive preparation is rarely critical. Ensure the plant is well-watered going into winter, especially if autumn has been dry. A final deep watering before the ground freezes prevents desiccation.

The mulch applied during planting provides root insulation. In exceptionally harsh winters, a temporary burlap screen can offer protection from drying winds and sun scald.

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