What’s better than a single-petaled flower? Double-petaled, duh! You might not think you’re settling with regular Azaleas, but the Electric Lights™ Double Pink Azalea (Rhododendron ‘UMNAZ 493’) from First Editions® is here to set you straight.
These fragrant double-flowered blooms open up in the spring for a show worthy of Carnegie Hall at a fraction of the cost. While the flowers smother the plant, it’s hard not to notice the green foliage putting in just as much effort to pull the look together. Light green and powder pink, a match made in heaven.
As the seasons change and the air takes on a crisp undertone, Double Pink is a deciduous shrub that turns a lovely burgundy fall color, to add even more interest to an already breathtakingly versatile bush. Hardy throughout USDA growing zones 4-7, these larger shrubs can reach 6-7 feet in height and 4-5 feet in width. But you can always prune them smaller to fit your individual needs!
If you have an open patch under a living room or kitchen window, we suggest planting Double Pink Azaleas there so you can fully appreciate the decedent fragrance each bright blossom emits. If you wanted, you could even cut a few branch tips off and bring them inside to complement your bouquets.
Planting and Application:
Sure this shrub is drop-dead gorgeous but how can you use it in YOUR garden? We get this question pretty often and we’ve got some ideas.
Let us set the scene. It’s a stunning spring day … You’re up early enjoying the world and step onto the porch to soak in some morning rays. That’s when you see it. A profusion of pink that refuses to be ignored. Oh yes, that would be Double Pink, a new addition to the Electric Lights™ line that’s sure to pack a powerful pop of color into any garden it graces!
Add a sizzling style to the partially shaded areas! With its brilliant pink double-petaled blooms, this shrub would be a fantastic centerpiece for your island beds. Any slight mound in the landscape would frame it perfectly. They’ll also look dazzling as a foundation plant on a particularly sunny side of your house. A nearby window to let the enticing scent in wouldn’t hurt either!
Whether planted front and center or as a background plant, it’s sure to delight the locals! Whether they be your nosey and slightly jealous neighbors or the beneficial pollinators fluttering around. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a Hummingbird or two, zoom by. These shrubs are known to be a favorite of theirs!
- Fluffy Double Petaled Light Pink Blooms
- Enticing Fragrance Wafts Through the Air
- Bee, Butterfly & Hummingbird Magnet
- Bright Attractive Green Foliage
- Slow Grower Stays Compact
- Burgandy Fall Color For Added Interest
- Perfect for Borders or Screens, Specimens, Hedges & Focal Points
Tips for Care:
Some plants may as well come with the sticker “inexperienced gardeners need not buy” but not this Azalea! Taking care of it is a piece of cake. Find a nice sunny spot in your garden and that’s that! This deciduous shrub will tolerate full sun to part shade just fine.
If you’re lucky enough to be growing in an area that has slightly acidic soils, then your Rhododendrons and Azaleas will be ecstatic. The best time to prune is right after the shrub is done flowering for the season. That way you won’t accidentally hurt next year’s flower power.
You’ve probably heard it before, but adding a 3-4 inch thick layer of mulch is also always a great idea when planting. Azaleas are shallow-rooted shrubs and that mulch protects them beautifully! It keeps the moisture even and helps conserve water during the hot summer months. As an added bonus, it looks amazing!
Ensure your Azaleas receive a moderate amount of water on a regular basis. Weed around the base of these beautiful plants. Avoid growing groundcovers nearby, as the root system won’t like competition. Apply a good, organic, slow-release fertilizer in early spring according to the label. Use a formula for flowering, acid-loving plants. Prune to shape after flowering is done. You can also plan ahead to determine which branches you’ll clip, and take them early for indoor cut flower arrangements.
- Full Sun & Partial Shade
- Enriched, Slightly Acidic Well-Drained Soil
- Moderate Consistent Moisture Needs & Appreciates Mulched Beds
- Prune Immediately After Flower
- Cold-Hardy to -40 °F
No ifs, ands, or buts about it. If you’re hoping for a garden addition fit to leave you speechless each spring! Twice the petals and twice the eye appeal means it’ll go twice as fast!
