March and April are the prime time to travel to see the hundreds of azalea varieties bloom throughout the scenic south. You will need a sterilized, razor-sharp knife or razor blade, rooting hormone, plastic bags, sterilized potting mix such as the bagged seed starting mix, and water. This is because Azalea roots take in less water and nutrients when the soil is . The clustered blooms spill out from the forest and catch your eye with displays of white, pink and red. The fronds are only now unfurling and will be a joy to watch as they emerge for the season. A North Carolina couple found their musical voices in a historic house in Chatham County. Pruning azaleas should therefore stop by mid-summer. This indicates sufficient moisture to keep the plant turgid. Check the soil and roots and see if it is too dry or too wet. Midsized deciduous shrubs, they produce large clusters of flower heads in brilliant shades of gold, orange, pink, red, white, and yellow as well as pastels. Keep growing indoors, under lights, until large enough to move outside when the danger of frost has passed. What is in peak bloom in the Azalea Collection, and nearly anywhere on the Arboretum's 434 acres, are the mountain laurel ( Kalmia latifolia; pictured left ). Contents 1 Cultivation 2 Classification 2.1 Native American azaleas Even to the untrained eye, one difference between the two groups is noticeable: azaleas generally have much smaller leaves. WILMINGTON, APRIL 3-7. The following cultivar series offer handsome midseason displays. As we are getting late in the season to find native azaleas blooming, this will likely be the last entry for the year about The North Carolina Arboretums Azalea Collection. After they germinate in two to eight weeks, provide the light in the form of fluorescent tubes. The Aromi series offers a cross of select Exbury hybrids with R. austrinum. cabbage, Swiss chard, broccoli, cauliflower, onion, and potatoes. : A Growers Guide, What Planting Zone is Illinois in? A rooting hormone is optional with evergreen azaleas, but highly recommended for deciduous azaleas. Congo, Conversation Piece, and Nancy are good examples of Robin Hill cultivars. They offer early spring blossoms in bright colors. Late Season Species The seed for Duke Gardens was planted by an iris lover. Leaves: Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics: Deciduous Leaf Color: Green Leaf Value To Gardener: Showy Deciduous Leaf Fall Color: Brown/Copper Gold/Yellow Orange Red/Burgundy Leaf Type: Simple Leaf Arrangement: Alternate Leaf Shape: Elliptical Oblong Leaf Margin: Entire Many gardeners prefer to transplant azaleas in April so they can group the plants according to their flower color. We link to vendors to help you find relevant products. You need a trowel and landscape pins, large paper clips, or a large rock. You may have to "pin" it with landscape pins, large paper clips, or a rock to keep the branch in place. We celebrate the people and places that make this state great. Another excellent option includes the Florida Azalea, which produces masses of stunning yellow blossoms and, under the ideal conditions, might grow up to 15 feet tall. For evergreen azaleas take the stem cutting in early summer, from June on. Flower colors include magenta, mauve, pink, purple, red, and white. : Help Your Plant Bloom, How Long Does It Take Clover to Bloom? "I was kind of baffled when I saw the blooms," Cash said. Springtime in Wilmington is filled with azaleas and spanish moss, just pop by the Wise House to witness it firsthand. For late season hybrids, the reblooming series offer a second steady wave of flowers that open from mid to late summer, and continue through autumn until heavy frosts set in. As mentioned above, this is caused by a very small insect called a lace bug, which usually resides under the leaves and sucks the chlorophyll from the plant. Currently North America is fortunate to have 17 deciduous azaleas species. Some azaleas bloomed early because of the warm winter, and then the frosts killed some of those blooms. If your garden doesnt offer such conditions, make the necessary amendments. To get the most out of your plants, you must be careful at providing them with all their need to thrive. Duke Gardens is a destination worthy of a photo. Coral Bells, Hino Crimson, and Snow are a few well-known cultivars. See our TOS for more details. They come in various colors and sizes and usually bloom early spring to late summer. The blooms of the coastal azalea are generally white but can range from shades of pale yellow or pink. Though hybridization efforts have resulted in plants that can tolerate a variety of climates, most azaleas thrive in locations where winters are cool to moderately cold and summers are warm to hot. It should bloom in the early spring. However, the staggered opening nicely extends the bloom time as well. . The exact month when you will want to prune these plants will differ depending on where you live . Azalea Groupings There are numerous early season cultivars and series. The swamp azalea, R. viscosum, has a wide distribution from Maine to Florida and west into Texas. And that means, with a little planning and a bit of space, you can enjoy their spectacular floral displays for months at a stretch, rather than just a few weeks per year. Hardy in Zones 4-9. Once planted, gently tamp the soil and water thoroughly. Plants are hardy in Zones 6-10. All 17 of the North American species are deciduous, and many make excellent landscape plants. Rhododendron is an evergreen shrub or small tree that grows best in moist, well-drained soils. This gives them time to spread out their roots and bloom . Flowers open in early April and shrubs are hardy in Zones 6-7. Duke Gardens is a destination worthy of a photo. Known as the early or roseshell azalea, R. prinophyllum is native to northeastern North America. The size of the bag and how it will stay inflated will depend on the size of the container. The following kinds of azaleas grow particularly well in North Carolina: Flame azaela. Once you get into July, most azaleas will start setting flowerbuds. Steve Bender, also known as The Grumpy Gardener, is an award-winning author, editor, columnist, and speaker with nearly 40 years experience as Garden Editor, Senior Writer, and Editor-at-Large for Southern Living. Commonly called "indicas," these large evergreen shrubs can spread from 6 to 8 feet. Lemon Lights, Mandarin Lights, and Spicy Lights are a few robust cultivars. The east and north sides of a house are generally good locations. Too much nitrogen can actually encourage more green leaves than blooms. Truly prized for its fragrance, this azalea welcomes you to the garden from all the way across Bent Creek. The Piedmont (Rhododendron canescens), pinxterbloom (Rhododendron periclymenoides) and Oconee (Rhododendron flammeum) azaleas are still flowering and though some are fading a bit, fresh blooms are still emerging. Azaleas bloom in spring. It will take four to eight weeks for roots to develop. Built in 1909 for the owner of a cotton mill and purchased by Mrs. Jessie Kenan Wise in 1916, the Wise House is now used by the alumni office of the University of North Carolina Wilmington. If the branches start to die, then the vascular system has been adversely affected and you may have to purchase a new plant. These azaleas are happily situated along the creek with a bit of shade. 21 September, 2017. And in such an environment, your azaleas will display plenty of flowers during the blooming season. When to Plant Azaleas in North Carolina. Azaleas usually bloom during the last few weeks of March and the first few weeks of April in South Carolina. As is true of all azaleas, natives need acid soil, are shallow rooted, and are at their best in light shade with regular watering. Southern Indica azaleas are often planted as screens or fences because of their 6- to 12-foot mature height. Also, when plants receive winter temperatures of 50F or below for four to eight weeks, the following spring buds burst into flower all at once. Identify and Manage 5 Common Chestnut Tree Diseases, Identify and Manage 5 Common Chestnut Tree Diseases, .slick-slider#wpsp-83657 {margin-left: 0px; }.slick-slider#wpsp-83657 .wp-show-posts-inner {margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; }#wpsp-83657.wpsp-card .wp-show-posts-single {margin-bottom: 2em; }.slick-slider#wpsp-83657 .wp-show-posts-single {margin-bottom: 0px; }#wpsp-83657 .wp-show-posts-inner {background-color: #ffffff; }#wpsp-83657.wp-show-posts .wp-show-posts-entry-title {font-size: .9em; }.wp-show-posts-columns#wpsp-83657 {margin-left: -2em; }.wp-show-posts-columns#wpsp-83657 .wp-show-posts-inner {margin: 0 0 2em 2em; } Insects and diseases seldom bother healthy, vigorous plants. The Arboretum is home to dozens of native wildflowers that are scattered across its 434-acre property. Hardy in Zones 5-9. They flower from late March to mid-May and repeat bloom for several months from midsummer through fall. They are considered to . What Are The Best Varieties of Azaleas To Grow in North Carolina? From a technical standpoint, azalea blooms are typically funnel-shaped and have five stamens, while rhododendron flowers are bell-shaped and have ten or more stamens. The flowers come in many different colors, including pink, red, and white. Generally speaking, azaleas like temps between 30F and 85F. Instead, the majority of evergreen varieties come from Asia. But azaleas get a bad rap for being finicky to grow and maintain, especially in the hot Texas sun. The blooms of the coastal azalea are generally white but can range from shades of pale yellow or pink. However, that doesn't mean there aren't some problems to watch for. When planting azaleas, fill the hole with a 50/50 blend of existing soil and Miracle-Gro Garden Soil for Trees & Shrubs. Another reason is to be able to take the plant with you if you are moving to a new location and the original plant cannot be moved. Too much of either will cause these young branches to dry up and die. These stems send up shoots. photograph by Mark Vandyke. You can find Lemon Lights plants in #3 containers available from Nature Hills Nursery. They prefer slightly acidic soil and are tolerant of a wide range of soil moisture, although they prefer well-drained soil. when do azaleas bloom in north carolinaplains, plateaus, and mountains worksheets. Mid-Season Cultivars Azaleas are part of the Rhododendron family with over 800 species and 10,000 types. Springtime in Wilmington is filled with azaleas and spanish moss, just pop by the Wise House to witness it firsthand. Because Phytophthora is a soil-borne disease, refrain from planting anything else in the same spot until the area has been treated well with a fungicide. Many people come to the Azalea Collection hoping to see a flame azalea (, Farther into the garden, the white blooms of the. The photo to the right was taken on June 17 th , 2017, during the peak of blooming season on Andrews Bald. Mountains to coast, in suburban yards and along remote trails, the azalea perhaps more than any other native plant brings Southern charm wherever it grows. Meu negcio no Whatsapp Business!! Bloom times are divided into three flowering groups of early, mid, and late or fall flowering varieties. All our native azaleas are deciduous or bare of leaves in the winter, and many will spread from the roots (stoloniferous) making a clump or grouping as they mature. Consider buying one that is cold hardy to the area. One spectacular coastal azalea can be found in full bloom in the frontmost section of the garden. If you buy from one of our links,we may earn a commission. The reason for this is that azaleas prefer mild temperatures and will grow best when it's not too hot. Utilize good quality soil which will hold moisture until the spring. utworzone przez | Cze 15, 2021 | Seminarium | Cze 15, 2021 | Seminarium Clusters of sweetly fragrant white or pink-blushed blossoms flower from late May through July, and the foliage turns shades of burgundy, crimson, and orange in autumn. . Speaking of azaleas we can look forward to, the very back of the garden is occupied by a collection of. Cover with the plastic lid. Homeowners will be able to enjoy them for a considerable amount of time since the flowers can last up to three weeks at a time. Size reduction pruning can also be performed in early fall, however, keep in mind that in doing so fall flowering will be diminished. As well as extending the bloom season in the azalea garden, it is also known for its beautifulfall leaf color. Most species bloom from late March to early May. Still, dont be afraid to experiment with planting different species to get the most out of your plants. section of the garden. This is another condition responsible for killing azalea flower buds. In the spring, identify a flexible, low growing branch. By August, the summer annuals the estate's talented gardeners have meticulously tended since May are in full bloom. What you are creating for these cuttings is a "mini greenhouse" so the cuttings can root without losing too much moisture. Of the 17 American species, 16 are native to the eastern United States. Kurume azaleas are cold-hardy and adapted to all of South Carolina. Most types generally prefer the partial sun or filtered shade beneath tall trees. Fraser fir can tolerate full sun to partial shade. Hardy in Zones 7-9. Preparation of azaleas for winter: Keep in mind that azaleas perform best in Zones 4 - 9. PJMs hail from Boston, Massachusetts, and are low to midsized hybrids bred from R. carolinianum and R. dauricum var. The air in fern loop has a different feel as it takes you briefly a little deeper into the forest. Dig a shallow trench. Beautiful, flowering azaleas in almost every season! Most azalea varieties bloom in the spring, around May, in the mid-Atlantic area of the U.S., with some blooming a month or so earlier and some as late as August. For instance, you must choose a suitable location where your plants can get enough sunlight without suffering from heat burns. Additionally, consider applying a thick layer of mulch to increase water retention and suppress weeds. It is best to take a preventative approach for next year. If they are outside, place in the shade. This is not to undervalue the Piedmont azalea, also lovely in fragrance, which has been providing a wonderful backdrop to the garden for the past couple of weeks. And each of these gardeners, who, like Moore, live, think, and dream azaleas, will have their time in the sun. Juniper Level Botanic Gardens Raleigh Summer pruning can be done though. For Hedges & Screens. It seems impossible it can be so spectacular when, little more than a week ago, tight buds on this azalea could only be spotted upon close inspection. Fraser firs have an erect and conical growth habit with mature plants reaching upwards of 30 to 55 feet tall. If they then have a period of four to eight weeks of temperatures below 50 F in the winter, they will break into bloom all at once the following spring, and stay in bloom about two weeks. Craggy Mountains BLACK MOUNTAIN When pioneering naturalist William Bartram discovered the bright blooms of the. Deadheading might boost flower production. The flowers come in luminous shades of orange, pink, red, white, and yellow and have a light, sweet scent. The new buds form in July so if you pruned after mid-July, you may have removed buds that would have produced next year's flowers. Ask the Experts, LLC. You can find Conversation Piece plants in #3 containers available at Nature Hills Nursery. plants according to their flower color. This month, as music and parade floats fill the streets of Wilmington and fireworks explode over the Cape Fear River, the North Carolina Azalea Festival will continue a celebration that began simply, with one mans love of flowers. Will rhododendrons grow in South Carolina? Azaleas in bloom. Rhododendrons bloom in late spring to early summer, when temperatures are warmer than freezing. If you received one, make sure the container itself has drainage holes and remove the decorative covering. If you want to transfer the gift plant to the garden in the summer, the plant may not be cold hardy to survive winters. GARDENER'S PATH IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ASK THE EXPERTS LLC. Sids Royal Pink is an R. schlippenbachii hybrid. Azaleas have a shallow root system so this will help conserve soil moisture and minimize soil temperature fluctuations. The Wildflower National Park Blooming Calendar. The snowy white flowers may have a lemon yellow splash on their upper petals and emit a pleasant, lemony-spicy scent. Of course all of these plants offer so much more to the landscapethan simply blooms and are well worth enjoying allyear long, but what a nice time to pay them a visit. Important: Before propagating, be sure that your plant is not patented. In spring, just after the blooms fade, apply mulch. Like other Rhododendrons, native azaleas prefer acidic soil (pH 4.5 - 6.5) and good drainage. First bred in Belgium almost 200 years ago, Ghent hybrids are a cross of R. luteum and American species such as R. calendulaceum and R. periclymenoides. Sporadic flowering is more common in central than in north Florida because of milder winter temperature fluctuation. Lavender, Hot Pink, and Red are three options in the Bloom-A-Thon series. As beautiful as they are, azaleas are toxic to both humans and animals. Fletcher built a lasting legacy in Raleigh, but his most beautiful contribution may have been the gardens surrounding WRAL-TVs studios on Western Boulevard. When the pods are dry, break the pods to remove the seeds. So, now that you know that azaleas thrive in most parts of North Carolina (and which ones are the best for this region), you might wonder when do azaleas bloom in this state. Be sure to check that the plants you select are suitable for your growing conditions. Beautiful blooms show in shades of orange, pink, white, and yellow and have a spicy to sweet fragrance. Azalea bloom times depend more on the weather than on day length. This shady trail is lovingly referred to as Fern Loop. Spot pinkshell azaleas near Grandfather Mountain. Also, there are a few hybrid series bred specifically for reblooming. The water lily display in the Italian Garden is an absolute delight as you begin a stroll through the gardens. The stem should be able to bend but not snap off immediately. Humans who ingest these toxins may experience mild to severe symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, abnormally low blood pressure and heart rate and cardiac arrhythmia. You might be happy to hear that azaleas are the ideal plants for North Carolinas gardens. You will also find water lilies at the Conservatory, Village Hotel, The Inn, and the Reception and Ticketing Sales Center. Most are fragrant, and they produce white, pink, orange, yellow, and red flowers. Overhead watering with sprinklers works well, but to prevent fungal diseases, water in the morning so that leaves dry by the afternoon. Prune Azaleas and Camellias after they bloom and push the yearly flush of growth. Without the cold weather, they will bloom sporadically over a longer period. They are large and showy, lightly fragrant and bloom from early to late spring. Hose the pollen off your porch and break out those flip-flops because it's warming up fast. For more info on this topic, check out our article on how to grow and care for azaleas in containers. Such species might be better to grow in North Carolina (and will present fewer issues). Defined on the USDA Plant Hardiness Map as a swath beginning in west Texas, covering most of the mid-south and ending in the mid-Atlantic states, temperatures in Zone 7 reach a minimum of 0 degrees F. This region experiences freezes but compared to northern states, has short, mild . . Call us at (425) 485-6059. Sarah Briggs. This is from mid-April through May when the plant is in active growth and the stems are soft, green, new growth. Not as extensive as other public gardens, but enjoyable nonetheless. The Azalea Collection is really beginning to draw the attention of faithful azalea aficionados, as well as those of us who are just fortunate enough to stumblein at the right time. Find your USDA Zone. They flower in late March and April, produce a light midsummer flush, and give a good final showing in late summer and fall. You can lower the soil pH by adding ferrous sulfate or finely ground sulfur. These plants display purple and pink flowers that will add an elegant touch to any space. Create beds 15 to 18 inches deep and fill them with a half-and-half mixture of finely milled bark and coarse sphagnum peat moss (be sure to mix the two thoroughly with water before serving the beds). This azalea attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds to the garden. If you apply fertilizer before this bloom cycle (in late winter or early spring), most of the fertilizer will not be absorbed. Things are looking great in the Azalea garden thanks to our hard working crew and the garden is ready to receive guests and be a beautiful backdrop for all that nature has in store. This is a large heat and humidity tolerant deciduous-to-evergreen native with vibrant flowers of amber yellow, peachy orange, or flame red. Find Out Today, Actaea Simplex Brunette: Growth and Care Guide, Kumquat Tree Florida: Growth and Care Guide, Cedar Trees in Florida: How to Grow and Care for Cedars, Dahoon Holly Tree (Ilex Cassine): Florida Care Guide. Pruning after that will ruin next spring's floral display. Learn about landscaping with azaleas and the many varieties. Originally, azaleas bloomed only once a year, in spring. In the subsequent year, when there is a mass of roots, cut the stem off from the mother plant and pot up in a small container. With proper care, azaleas can live for decadesor even longer. Azaleas require and acidic soil of between pH 4-6 to grow well and to bloom. The following vegetables can be planted this month: beets, cabbage, Chinese cabbage, Swiss chard, broccoli, cauliflower, onion, and potatoes. Many cultivars are also grouped into series and are often named for the original plant breeder or the breeding location such as PJM for the Boston breeder Peter John Mezitt, or Ghent for the hybrids from Ghent, Belgium. Poukhanense is a well-known cultivar of R. yedoense. However, youll have to be careful with this practice, as you might damage new buds. Native azaleas bloom throughout the spring and into the summer presenting a spectacular flower show like none other. Youll find beloved azaleas blooming at WRAL Gardens. The Oconee azalea, R. flammeum, is indigenous to the Piedmont region of Georgia and South Carolina. photograph by Millie Holloman Photography. And their music is taking off. Not much to report currently about azaleas blooming in the Azalea Collection. Airlie Gardens is most known for its 60,000 bulbs and 75,000 azaleas that bloom each spring, but there are also gorgeous cherry blossoms that complete the . According to the Azalea Society of America, there are more than 10,000 varieties of azaleas that have been registered, and hundreds if not thousands more that are unnamed seedlings. When to Fertilize Azaleas in NC (North Carolina) If you live in the western parts of North Carolina, you should apply the fertilizer in spring but not before the blooming period. Dig them up, ensuring you have included their own, separate root systems, and pot up in a container with potting mix. The flame azalea coined its name because of its candle flame-like buds. Without the cold weather, they will bloom sporadically over a longer period. You'll just need to stay very vigilant with your plants. Some of the more common symptoms are listed below. Do not cover with the potting mix but mist with water. Daviesi, Magic, and Narcissiflora are Ghent cultivars. Crimson, Hot Shot, and Pleasant White are popular Girard cultivars. Developed in Mobile, Alabama to add fragrance and heat tolerance to Exbury hybrids, the deciduous Aromis are crossed with native species such as R. austrinum and flower from late April into May. The Rosen Carolina Terrace has many Piedmont azaleas ( R. canescens ), this large shrub grows 10 to 15 ft tall and wide. . Here are a few of the most common issues that plague azaleas. Plants flower in mid-April to June and are hardy in Zones 5-8. Often overlooked is the quietest, very last trail in the Azalea Garden. A period of drought during the prior year could have destroyed your azalea flower buds. They will yield more blooms than if they were grown in partial shade, but the blooms will likely . Thus, the actual bloom dates may vary a week or two either way depending upon the weathera warm spring gives earlier blooms, while a cool spring gives later blooms. They bloom in April and May. Dispose of infected plant material; don't compost to avoid spreading the fungus. This is from mid-April through May when the plant is in active growth and the stems are soft, green, new growth. There is no need for light until they germinate but make sure the room is warm, 70F to 75F. Azalea Court, added in the 1960s, displays varieties like the Korean azalea, and has become a favorite spot for flower lovers of all ages. To keep bushes compact, tip-pinch frequently, starting after flowering ends and continuing until mid-June. Called the city of a million azaleas, Wilmington began hosting the award-winning North Carolina Azalea Festival in 1948. Hardy in Zones 6-9. At the North Carolina Arboretum, youll find every possible kind of azalea native to the U.S. photograph by Tim Robison. How do you plant azaleas in North Carolina? By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Azaleas growing in acid, nutrient-rich soil don't need much fertilizer. Homeowners will be able to enjoy them for a considerable amount of time since the flowers can last up to three weeks at a time. This shady trail is lovingly referred to as Fern Loop. A compact, reblooming evergreen series from Seneca, North Carolina, ReBloom hybrids produce flowers in coral, fuchsia, pink, purple, red, or white. If you feed your shrubs, use a balanced 5-5-5 or 15-15-15 fertilizer. Keep these variables in mind when planning for a prolonged flowering season! Khara Scheppmann has 12 years of marketing and advertising experience, including proofreading and fact-checking. About three weeks later, I sprinkle granules fertilizer containing of the insecticide disulfoton, which provides a good six weeks of control. Blooms typically last for one or two weeks, and in warm climates such as the Deep South, some azalea varieties bloom again in the fall. Hardy in Zones 6 or 7 through 10, depending on the cultivar, flowers come in a wide range of pinks, purples, reds, white, and bicolors. Azaleas dislike having wet feet, therefore proper drainage is crucial. Learn more: ncazaleafestival.org, capefeargardenclub.org. Division is a method of vegetative propagation that is recommended for deciduous azaleas. Carolina Bays are elliptical or oval depressions of uncertain origin found in North and South Carolina, along with a few bays in Georgia, Virginia and Delaware. Ihope you have a chance to visit the garden to enjoy some of these azaleas brightening up our June. Also blooming in the garden are the understory. The Azalea Society of America notes that there are azaleas in Japan that have thrived for centuries! Planting in heavy clay is a no-no: root rot often ensues, indicated by yellowing, wilting foliage, and collapse of the plant. In the South (Zones 8-10) this means September. Also, if you like the plant and are concerned it may get damaged, especially from a storm, you can take cuttings in case you have to replace the original plant. | Website by Web Publisher PRO. Put ramekins on a baking sheet. An Azalea for (Almost) Every Season. Autumn Amethyst, Autumn Embers, and Autumn Sunset belong to the Encore series. You will need small, plastic containers with drainage holes, or you can cut off the base of a gallon milk jug and make drainage holes. You can check to see if your plant is patent-protected by checking the tag, label, or container. You can do some shaping while plants bloomtry using cut branches in arrangements. Cut these branches back by a third to a half. Layering is another method of vegetative propagation that is recommended for evergreen azaleas. Instead, the majority of evergreen varieties come from Asia. Japonica camellias bloom in the winter and spring. Hardy in Zones 4-8. The Cumberland azalea, R. cumberlandense, is a low-growing deciduous species with vibrant flowers in shades of melon orange, peach, and crimson that blooms in June and July. It should also be noted that bloom times can vary by a few to several weeks, depending on the weather. Too little sun can cause azaleas to withhold blooms. Hardy in Zones 5-9. Step 1: If you have a too-big azalea you want to save, go ahead and chop it down with loppers. photograph by Millie Holloman Photography. We occasionally link to goods offered by vendors to help the reader find relevant products. Fletchers beloved azaleas more than 60 varieties, including the Formosa azalea (this page) still reign supreme. Hardy in Zones 3-8. They feature intense bloom colors that are often lacking amongst evergreen hybrids, so if you're looking for a plant that packs a punch, a deciduous azalea might be the one for you. See our guide to deciduous azaleas for a full rundown of popular hybrids. When using a powder rooting hormone, dip the cut end into water, shake off the water, dip into the hormone, and then plant.