Karen Azalea
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Karen Azalea |
| Botanical Name | Azalea x 'Karen' (Gable Hybrid) |
| Mature Size | 24” - 48” tall, 36" - 60” wide |
| Sun Exposure | Filtered sun |
| Soil Type | Loamy Well Drained |
| Soil pH | Acidic soil |
| Bloom Time | Late Spring |
| Flower Color | Purplish-pink |
| Care | Proper planting in the right locations is key to success with these long-lived shrubs. In a favorable location, these plants are usually quite easy to grow, but they can be very temperamental if conditions aren't exactly to their liking. Most important is for the soil to be loose, well-draining, and somewhat acidic in pH. In areas with dense soil, azaleas are often planted in artificial berms created by bringing in loose, porous soil to create elevated planting areas. |
| Soil | Azaleas love acidic soil; this explains why potted nursery plants usually have mostly peat moss for the planting medium. Soil should also have good drainage and good fertility with plenty of organic matter. Azaleas do best with a natural mulch such as pine bark mulch. |
| Water | Azaleas need water to bloom, and spring rain showers usually do the job. However, if the spring is dry, extra watering can be beneficial. |
| Temperature and Humidity | Azalea hardiness depends on the cultivar so it's important to choose your plant and your planting site carefully. Too cold, and buds may not form; too hot, and flowers may burn from over-exposure. Mildew can be a problem with azaleas; make sure they have plenty of air circulation and don't plant them too close to other large shrubs. |
| Fertilizer | Azaleas also do well if given some fertilizer. Without knowing the nutrients in your soil, a basic 15-15-15 fertilizer containing equal parts nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium is your best bet. But there are special products made just for azaleas: Espoma's "Azalea-Tone" is a good one. Acidifying fertilizers are a good choice where soils are in the neutral or alkaline range. Fertilize in late winter or early spring, no later than the last week of March. |
| Pruning | https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/azalea/pruning-azaleas.htm |
| Overwintering | Feeding azaleas should be reduced after midsummer, and watering should also be somewhat reduced in early fall to toughen the plant up for winter. But after a few hard frosts, it's a good idea to water deeply to hydrate the plant, which will help prevent winter burn. |
| Source | https://www.monrovia.com/karen-azalea.html https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-care-for-azaleas-5074145 |