Height of an Azalea

Height

• Azalea shrubs range anywhere between 8 inches to 20 feet tall depending on variety. Low-growing azalea varieties are often used as ground covers. These include Satsuki azalea (Rhododendron eriocarpum), with its mature height of about 2 feet and a 3-foot spread. Taller-growing azaleas include the tree azalea (R. arborescens), with its mature height of about 20 feet, and swamp azalea (R. viscosum), which grows up to 8 feet tall.

Description

• All azaleas are woody plants and bloom with trumpet-shaped, fragrant flowers that grow ½ to 4 inches across. The single or double blooms occur in shades of orange, red, pink, purple or white, often with freckles or variegation. The foliage has a raspy texture due to the stiff fuzz on the upper sides. Some varieties have distinct lateral veins on the leaves or slightly downturned edges. These leaves are seen more commonly on the hybrids.

Cultural Requirements

• Plant azaleas in well-drained, fertile and acidic soil for best growth. The shallow-rooted plants benefit from a liberal application of organic mulch such as pine needles and leaves. Select an area receiving full sun or deep shade depending on variety. Most azaleas grow well in partial sun. Water the plants regularly, as azaleas are intolerant of drought. There is no need for additional fertilizer if the soil is fertile and mulched with organic matter.

Pests

• Common azalea pests include lacebugs and black vine weevils. Lace bugs are 1/8-inch-long, dark, flat insects with a lacy pattern on the body and white wings. The pests and their nymphs or young feed on foliage sap by infesting lower sides of the leaves. Infested leaves are stippled or gray with small brown dots of excrement. Black vine weevils are about 1/3-inch long, black and wingless. The pests are foliage and bark eaters. Damage leads to notched edges on leaves and branch die-back.