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Rhododendron ‘Hardy Gardenia’
evergreen azalea
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Image © Sally Perkins |
Printer-friendly Fact Sheet
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| Outstanding Qualities |
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Although, it lacks the fragrance of its namesake the large hose-in-hose double flowers capture the essence of the gardenia flower. In early May the pure white fluffy blooms open dotting the shrub in their brilliance. A compact and dense low grower makes it a useful selection for the smaller urban garden. It is a great plant for edging a bed or patio and can be used as a single specimen or in graceful flowing drifts. Because it is a slow grower do not plant with more vigorous growers. Smaller ferns and hostas make good companions. The dark green foliage and white flowers look great with variegated foliage and silver and gray leaves. |
| Culture |
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Hybrid azaleas are easy to grow in the Pacific Northwest in a partly shady to full sun location. Provide rich, well-drained soil, supplemented with organic matter before planting. Azaleas are shallow-rooted plants requiring regular watering during the summer, especially in late summer when the flower buds form. New plantings are especially susceptible to drought stress and appreciate regular deep watering. Appling a light layer of mulch will help keep the moisture even for the roots. Very little pruning is necessary, an occasional light pruning to maintain the shape is all that is needed. Although, root weevils can be a problem placing the plant in good light with regular water will minimize the problems with this pest. |
| Growing Habit |
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This evergreen shrub is relatively small for most azaleas with a ten year old specimen reaching about 2 feet tall and about 3 to 4 feet wide. As the shrub matures it will become a dense low mound. |
| Hardiness |
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USDA zones 7 to 9 |
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© 2009 Elisabeth Carey Miller Botanical Garden
Funded by the Pendleton and Elisabeth Carey Miller Charitable Foundation
Administered by the Elisabeth Carey Miller Botanical Garden