The azalea family is diverse and expansive, but the smallest azaleas belong to the genus Rhododendron. The Dwarf Azaleas, also known as “Kurume” azaleas, are the type most commonly referred to as the smallest.
These plants reach a mature size of only a few feet, making them perfect for small spaces or gardens. There are numerous varieties of Dwarf Azaleas, with different colors, sizes, and growing habits. For example, the ‘Hino-Crimson’ cultivar has bright pink flowers, and the ‘Gumpo White’ has white flowers.
Additionally, some other varieties, such as ‘Tama-no-wo’ and ‘Bansei’, grow to a manageable size and can easily be incorporated into any garden. For those looking for even smaller varieties, ‘Satsuki’ azaleas (also part of the Kurume azalea family) are a great option, as they reach 1.
5 feet tall and up to 4 feet wide.
Can azalea be kept small?
Yes, it is possible to keep azaleas small. Pruning is key to keeping the plant at a manageable size. It is best to prune azaleas in the late winter season before new growth starts appearing. Pruning should focus on removing any weak, damaged, or unnecessary branches.
Regular pruning will help the azalea maintain its desired size. Additionally, the azalea should be planted in a container that is proportional to the desired size of the plant. Smaller containers will limit the size of the azalea’s root system, and therefore limit its size.
Finally, regular fertilizing can help promote healthy and vigorous growth, which will help ensure the azalea stays small.
Is Fashion azalea a dwarf?
No, Fashion azalea is not a dwarf shrub. It is an evergreen shrub that is typically 4 to 5 feet tall and wide. It is also a very popular ornamental shrub. It has glossy green leaves and produces stunning, clusters of white flowers in the late spring and summer.
With proper care and attention, this plant can live for many years. It is best planted in a sunny to partially shaded spot in the garden and does best when the soil is well-drained and slightly acidic.
It needs to be watered regularly and fed with a fertilizer made for acid-loving plants. Fashion azalea can also tolerate frost so it is a great choice for regions with cold winters.
How tall do dwarf azaleas get?
Dwarf azaleas are a popular choice for many landscapers due to their small size. These beautiful flowering shrubs generally stay between 1 and 2 feet tall, although they can grow up to 3 feet tall in some cases.
Dwarf azaleas typically have a rounded form with a full mound of small bright foliage. The blooms of dwarf azaleas come in many vivid colors like white, pink, yellow, purple, and orange. They bloom from late spring to midsummer and can last up to 8 weeks.
While dwarfs do not need frequent pruning, removing dead or diseased branches in the early spring will help maintain their shape and keep them healthy and happy.
Can fashion azaleas take full sun?
Yes, in general, fashion azaleas can take full sun. It is important to note, however, that azaleas should not receive direct blazing sun. Rather, they should receive full morning or late-afternoon sun, while still receiving some protection from the hot midday sun.
Additionally, depending on the climate, azaleas may require more shade in hotter climates with longer periods of direct sun. When obtainable, afternoon shade or morning sun and afternoon shade are ideal for azaleas.
During the hottest part of the day, the sun should be blocked by some sort of dappled or light afternoon shade. Also, when establishing a new azalea landscape, it is important to make sure to properly space plants to allow for airflow and protection from wind and sun.
Properly positioning and spacing plants is also essential for healthy growth and development.
How far apart do you plant fashion azaleas?
When planting fashion azaleas, it is important to remember to space them at least 2 to 3 feet apart from each other as full grown azaleas can vary in size from 2 to 6 feet tall. For the initial planting, dig a hole that is twice the size of the container in which the azalea was purchased.
Carefully remove the azalea from its pot and place it into the hole. Back fill the soil around the azalea making sure to keep the soil level even with the original soil line that was marked on the stem of azalea.
If you are planting multiple azaleas in the same area, make sure to space them a minimum of 2 to 3 feet apart from each other. If planting multiple azaleas in a line, ensure that you plant the rows on a staggered pattern, not straight across from each other.
When complete, top dress the area with a light layer of mulch and ensure to keep the area well-watered for the first two weeks after planting.
What is a Formosa azalea?
A Formosa azalea is a type of deciduous shrub native to Taiwan. It is part of the Rhododendron genus and belongs to the Ericaceae family. Formosa azaleas are typically small, reaching up to 3ft in height and have a rounded, compact growing habit.
When in full bloom they produce an abundance of fragrant, pink or white flowers in the late spring to early summer months. The foliage is evergreen, with the new growth developing a deep green color that slowly fades to a yellowish-green as the season progresses.
Formosa azaleas are considered a low maintenance and non-invasive species, making them popular garden plants. They are best grown in a sunny, woodland setting, in well-draining, acidic soils and require minimal pruning.
Due to their drought-tolerance and compact size, they are also suitable container plants.
What type of azalea stays small?
The type of azalea that stays small is known as a dwarf azalea. These types of azaleas are typically no more than four feet tall, with many varieties measuring less than two feet. Dwarf azaleas produce beautiful flowers of various colors, ranging from white, yellow and red.
Dwarf azaleas are ideal for creating colorful ground covers or adding bright accent colors to rock gardens. They are also well-suited for smaller gardens and planters. Because they tend to stay small, they require minimal pruning, making them ideal for low-maintenance gardens.
How far away from house should I plant azalea?
Azalea should be planted at least three to five feet away from the house for the best results. Depending on the size and type of azalea, and the space available, you may need to plant it farther away.
Larger azaleas, like the Southern Indian, should be planted at least six feet away. When planting azalea, be sure there’s plenty of room for it to grow. Azaleas are fast-growing, so don’t let it become overcrowded.
If the azalea is near a driveway or walkway, make sure the branches have plenty of room to expand. When planting azalea, be sure the soil is well-drained, loose, and deep enough to cover the root ball, and the plant has consistent access to moisture.
Consider the amount of sun your particular azalea variety needs for optimal growth, and place it in an area that receives direct sunlight in the morning, but filtered sun in the afternoon. Avoid planting anywhere near sewage lines, water lines from your house, or any other plumbing lines so that the roots don’t interfere with them.
It is also important to amend the soil around the azalea to ensure adequate nutrition for the plant, as it is a dynamic accumulator of nutrients from the soil.
What is the smallest azalea bush?
The smallest azalea bush is the Dwarf Japanese Azalea (Rhododendron yedoense ‘Mt. Aso’). This dwarf-size shrub typically only grows to a height of 36-48 inches and a width of 48-60 inches, making it one of the smallest azaleas available.
It produces abundant small, five-petaled pink flowers with white interiors in early spring and prefers part to full sun with moist, well-drained acidic soils. This evergreen is hardy to USDA climates zones 5-9 and can survive temperatures down to -15°F.
It is classified as a low-growing shrub and needs minimal pruning, except to remove damaged or dead branches.