Bright Pink Spring Flowers Put On A Show The Karen Azalea shrub is a charismatic evergreen ready to show off its splendid flowers and glossy green leaves. It will stand tall and beautiful through all seasons, making your yard look glorious, year-round. Azalea Karen purple is a hardy Gable hybrid azalea known for its lovely foliage and stunning flowers. April through May, this flowering shrub displays pinkish-lavender blooms. Then in fall, leaves begin to turn to a delightful burgundy color, providing multi-season interest. Mature, broad-leafed foliage is a lovely dark green color with a semi-glossy sheen. New spring growth displays a brighter shade of green that beautifully contrasts against older foliage. By fall, the foliage turns wine-red and is highlighted with copperish tones. This vivid leaf color lasts through winter. April brings bright pinkish-purple flowers that contrast beautifully against light and dark shades of green foliage. By late spring, a proliferation of fuchsia to lavender flowers adorn the entire shrub, nearly covering up most of its lush foliage. Individual flowers measure about 1 to 2 inches wide. This profusion of fragrant flowers draws butterflies and hummingbirds! How to Use Karen Azalea in the Garden Karen Azalea is excellent for foundation planting, hedges, specimen plants, border shrubs, for erosion control on sloped lots, or as understory plants in woodland gardens. It is often a cherished element within Japanese tea gardens for its vibrant flowers that herald the beginning of spring. It can also be grown in portside containers to add color and personality to outdoor living spaces. Azalea Karen Care Information Azaleas do sometimes have insect pests, especially if the plant is unhealthy. In the event of pest issues, try drenches, insecticidal soaps, horticultural oils, or introduce beneficial insects. These bug allies will counteract and prey upon the negative insects. It is best to plant the shrub in a somewhat sheltered area that affords protection from harsh winter winds. This evergreen azalea also tolerates rabbits. This lovely evergreen grows best in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 9 and is one of the most cold-hardy azaleas available. This cheerful shrub enjoys the filtered sun. Plant it in a semi-shady spot that gets dappled sunlight throughout the day. It also thrives as an understory plant and can be mixed in with trees, especially hardwoods. Karen Azalea can also tolerate morning sun followed by afternoon shade. Karen Azalea prefers moist and loamy soil with good drainage. It naturally enjoys acidic soil as well. Fertilize with azalea and camellia food. When planting, you can also add peat moss, pearlite pellets, and pine mulch. Be sure to plant the shrub on a small mound to facilitate optimal drainage. Always try to water the plant around the base and avoid spraying the leaves with water as this will help prevent powdery mildew. Karen Azalea Size Karen Purple Azalea has a compact, dense, and bushy growth habit. Mature plants reach a height of 2 to 4 feet. You can expect a moderate growth rate with a spread of 3 to 5 feet. Karen Azalea Pruning Azaleas do not need pruning. To encourage the desired shape, trimming is best performed after flowering in late spring or summer. Annual light pruning can encourage new growth and better flowering but is not required. Be sure to not prune too late in the season as it can cut off next year’s flowers. Companion Plants Can Include: Astilbe (Astilbe spp.) Camellia (Camellia spp.) Clethra (Clethra spp.) Hydrangea (Hydrangea spp.) Japanese Maple (Acer) Mountain Laurel (Kalmia) Bleeding Heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis) Consider Adding Karen Azalea to Your Garden! Karen’s Azalea is a great shrub for your garden, wooded lot, patio space, or Zen-inspired outdoor meditation area. If you love flowers and want to add a bit of color to your outdoor garden paradise, consider incorporating this azalea into your landscape. Tell us about how you used your Karen Azalea in the comments below. We would love to hear your story! These flowering beauties sell out fast, so order your Karen Azalea for sale today! Check out our Azalea Grow Guide for more information.
