Rhododendron 'Karens'
Karens' Rhododendron, Rhododendron 'Karen', 'Karen' Rhododendron, 'Karen' Azalea, Early Midseason Azalea, Evergreen Azalea
Slightly fragrant and exceptionally cold hardy, Rhododendron 'Karens' is a very eye-catching, dense, and compact, semi-evergreen Azalea. In mid to late spring, it bears abundant clusters of 3 to 4 large, open, funnel-shaped, rich reddish-purple flowers, up to 2 in. wide (5 cm), elegantly darker freckled. The foliage of elliptic, glossy, olive green leaves takes on wine-red and coppery shades in fall and winter. A very reliable performer, this showy Azalea is tough and can withstand temperatures as low as -25ºF (-31ºC). It is said to tolerate neutral soils.
- Grows with a dense upright habit, up to 3-5 ft. tall and wide (90-150 cm).
- Winner of the Rhododendron of the Year Award of the American Rhododendron Society for the Great Lakes and South Central regions.
- A sun to part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in moist, acidic, humusy, well-drained soils. Tolerates a fair amount of sun in cool northern summers. Plant shallowly in a location protected from strong winter winds. Protect from frost to prevent damage to flowers. Mulch annually with leaf mold to retain moisture, control weeds, and cool the soil.
- Perfect for shrub borders or mixed borders, as a flowering hedge or privacy screen, foundation plantings, and shade gardens. Great for small gardens or containers too!
- Attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and birds.
- Removing spent flowers promotes new growth.
- All parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested.
- Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
Rhododendron and Azalea: How To Grow And Care with Success
Want to learn how to grow and care for rhododendron and azalea flowers like a pro? Follow these simple steps and enjoy their beautyRead More
Not sure which Rhododendron - Azalea to pick?
Compare All Rhododendron - Azalea
Requirements
Hardiness | 5
– 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 9 |
Climate Zones | 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Azaleas - Rhododendrons, Rhododendron - Azalea |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 3' – 5' (90cm – 150cm) |
Spread | 3' – 5' (90cm – 150cm) |
Spacing | 36" – 60" (90cm – 150cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy, Semi-Evergreen |
Tolerance | Rabbit |
Attracts | Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers, Small Gardens |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |
Guides with Azaleas - Rhododendrons
Copyright: Image Botanic LLC
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 5
– 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 9 |
Climate Zones | 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Azaleas - Rhododendrons, Rhododendron - Azalea |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 3' – 5' (90cm – 150cm) |
Spread | 3' – 5' (90cm – 150cm) |
Spacing | 36" – 60" (90cm – 150cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy, Semi-Evergreen |
Tolerance | Rabbit |
Attracts | Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers, Small Gardens |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |
Guides with Azaleas - Rhododendrons