What Are Azaleas
Azaleas are flowering shrubs in the rhododendron family, famous for spectacular spring blooms in shades of pink, red, white, purple, and orange. They thrive in acidic, well-drained soil with partial shade. There are two main groups: deciduous azaleas (drop leaves in fall, cold-hardy to zone 4) and evergreen azaleas (keep leaves year-round, zones 6 to 9). Both bloom on old wood, meaning flower buds form in summer and fall for the following spring’s display.
Popular Azalea Types
| Type | Evergreen/Deciduous | Zones | Height | Bloom Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Encore Azaleas | Evergreen | 6 to 10 | 3 to 5 ft | Spring + fall (reblooming) |
| Kurume Azaleas | Evergreen | 6 to 9 | 2 to 4 ft | Mid-spring |
| Southern Indica | Evergreen | 7 to 10 | 6 to 10 ft | Early to mid-spring |
| Northern Lights Series | Deciduous | 4 to 7 | 4 to 6 ft | Mid-spring |
| Exbury Hybrids | Deciduous | 5 to 8 | 4 to 8 ft | Late spring |
Growing Conditions
Azaleas need acidic soil (pH 4.5 to 6.0), good drainage, and partial shade (morning sun, afternoon shade is ideal). They have shallow, fibrous root systems that dry out quickly and suffer in heavy clay. Amend planting beds with peat moss, pine bark, or composted pine needles to increase acidity and improve drainage. Never plant azaleas deeper than they grew in the container.
In the Omaha metro, our alkaline clay soil (pH 7.5+) makes azaleas challenging without significant soil amendment. We recommend raised beds with a 50/50 mix of native soil and acidic organic matter for clients who want azaleas. Annual sulfur applications maintain acidity in our naturally alkaline conditions.
