‘Solar Ray’ is a twiggy, full-sized (6-8 ft) deciduous native azalea shrub. The Sunbow is a three-part series of sun-tolerant native azalea. Solar Ray’ has a large upright habit with small green leaves and clusters of abundant deep orange buds on the branch tips that open to fragrant bright yellow and orange flowers early in spring. A very versatile plant that prefers morning or partial sun with acidic rich, well-drained soils. Azaleas are excellent pollination and butterfly attractors.
|
Type: |
|
|
Height: |
6’ - 8’ |
|
Spread: |
4’ - 5’ |
|
Spacing: |
4’ |
|
USDA Hardiness Zone: |
5 - 9 (hardy to -20०F) |
|
Culture: |
|
|
Bloom Color: |
Yellow, Orange |
|
Season of Interest: |
MAINTENANCE NEEDS: A low maintenance plant. 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) Can use sulfur or iron sulfate to lower ph, and lime or limestone to raise PH. Buds grow on old growth in winter, so if need to prune do so after the spring bloom. Southern climates with excessive humidity are more prone to powdery mildew, twig blights, and rust.
LANDSCAPE USES: Containers, Woodland Gardens, Mass or Specimen Plantings, Borders, Foundation Plantings, Hedges, Native Gardens.
COMPANION PLANTS: ‘Sliver Spectre’ Carex, ‘Ville De Lyon’ Clematis, ‘Miss Huff’ Lantana
