Elsie Lee Azalea is a hardy compact semi-evergreen shrub with an upright spreading habit. The small leaves emerge light green and matures to emerald before gaining yellow hues in fall as some of the foliage drops. A heavy bloom of ruffled double lavender-pink flowers with blue overtones begins in mid-spring attracting butterflies. A very versatile plant that prefers partial sun with acidic rich, well-drained soils.
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Type: |
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Height: |
3' - 5' |
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Spread: |
3' - 5' |
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Spacing: |
4’ |
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USDA Hardiness Zone: |
5 - 8 |
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Culture: |
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Bloom Color: |
Pink |
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Season of Interest: |
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: Mahonia, Higan Cherry, Camellia
Image: Photo by David J. Stang, Rhododendron Elsie Lee 1zz, CC BY-SA 4.0
