Karen Azalea

Characteristics

• Height/Spread: 3-4 feet tall x 3-4 feet wide
• Habit/Form: Round
• Hardiness Zone: 5-9
• Exposure: Part Shade
• Soil: Moist, well-drained

Ornamental Value

Karen Azaleas have many desirable features and we love using them in our designs! This variety of Azalea is considered a broadleaf evergreen, which means that although the leaves have a typical deciduous appearance they remain on the plant year round. The deep green leaves in summer turn a lovely shade of burgundy in the winter months, extending the beauty of this plant year round. However, the main event for Karen Azalea is in the spring when the small shrub becomes heavy-laden with striking lavender-pink blooms. The bright flowers have a tropical feel to them making them stand out in the midwestern landscape. Karen Azaleas prefer part shade and rich, acidic soil but we’ve found them to be fairly adaptable. They are a great flowering alternative to Boxwood and their clean look lends well to a front foundation planting.

Landscape Uses

Short hedges, border plantings, woodland edges, in massings