George Taber Azalea

George Taber Azalea is a larger and dense reblooming evergreen shrub that takes pruning for size management if needed very well.  It has light green leaves and an early heavy boom of pale white-pink flowers with darker pink throats through spring and has a smaller bloom again in fall.  A very versatile plant that prefers partial sun with acidic rich, well-drained soils.  Azaleas are excellent pollination and butterfly attractors.

MAINTENANCE NEEDS:  A low maintenance plant.  Moderate water needs, properly drained soils is a must to avoid root rot.  Mulch helps to keep roots from drying out. Keep away from drip lines of the walnut family. Acidify soils as needed (PH range of 5 to 6.5) Can use sulfur or iron sulfate to lower ph, and lime or limestone to raise PH.  Southern climates with excessive humidity are more prone to powdery mildew, twig blights, and rust. Cold winters may freeze the flower buds and reduce bloom come spring, and leaves may experience winter burn.

LANDSCAPE USES:  Accents or Group Plantings, Borders, Woodland Gardens, Wildlife Gardens, Naturalized Areas, Foundational Plantings, Hedges, and Containers.

COMPANION PLANTS: Fatsia, October Daphne, Astilbe 

IMAGE: Tim in Sydney from Sydney, Australia, Rhododendron George L. Taber (1384569414), CC BY 2.0

*As plants have ranges in appearance they may not appear as the images shown