Rosy Lights Azalea

Rosy Lights Azalea gives northern gardeners a dependable way to enjoy the beauty of azaleas. Bred by the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, this deciduous azalea brings fragrant rosy-pink spring blooms, strong cold hardiness and attractive fall color to gardens in zones 3–7. Enjoy azalea blooms in colder regions Rosy Lights was bred for cold-climate performance, and its flower buds are hardy to -45°F. That matters because many azaleas can survive winter but lose their buds before spring. With Rosy Lights, gardeners in colder areas get a much better chance of seeing the real reward: a full spring display of deep rosy-pink flowers. It is an excellent choice for northern borders, woodland edges and partially shaded foundation plantings where standard azaleas may not perform. Add fragrance and spring garden life In late April through May, flowers open before or as the new foliage appears, so the color is easy to see. The blooms are arranged in rounded clusters and carry a sweet, spicy fragrance that can be enjoyed near paths, entries or outdoor seating areas. Hummingbirds, bees and butterflies also visit the flowers, adding welcome movement during an important early part of the growing season. Get more than a one-season shrub After bloom, Rosy Lights becomes a rounded, leafy shrub for the summer landscape. In fall, the foliage turns maroon to orange-red, giving the garden another layer of seasonal color before the leaves drop. Mature plants reach about 6–8' tall and wide, making this a strong choice for the middle or back of a mixed border, an informal flowering hedge or a large specimen planting. Plant it where it can thrive Give Rosy Lights acidic, well-drained soil with steady moisture and partial shade. A mulch layer helps protect the shallow roots and hold soil moisture. Prune only right after flowering, so you do not remove next year’s buds.