Rhododendron x 'Northern Hi-Lights'
Common Name(s):
Northern Lights Azalea
Deciduous azalea
Synonym:
Azalea
Flower:
Creamy white
Blooms :
Apr
to:
May
Multicolored yellow and white petaled trumpet-shaped flower
Botanical Description
Fragrant?
YES
Family:
Ericaceae
Med - Lg Shrub (usually >3' and never < 1.5')
Foliage:
Green
Narrow to obovate in shaoe, 2-5" long, lightly hairy
Fall Color?
YES
Leaves turn red and burgundy
Deciduous
Photo by:
Heading 6
Oregon Native?
NO
West State Native?
NO
Origins:
University of Minnesota hybrid
Site Selection
Minimum USDA Hardiness Zone:
4
Water Needs:
M
Sun Needs:
Shade
Deer Resistant?
NO
Firewise?
TRYE
Height:
4-5'
Spread:
4-5'
Growth Rate:
Slow
Native Habitat:
Cool temperate forests of the Northern Hemisphere
Soil:
Acidic, organically rich, moisture retentive but well drained soil
Care Recommendations
Maintenance Level:
Medium
Fertilizer:
Fertilize only with formuations for acid-loving plants, apply early spring
Mulch:
Wood chips, bark or pine needles
Make sure soil is acidic with pH of 4.5-6, plant so top of root ball is slightly above surrounding grade, avoid clay soils, apply 2-3" layer of pine bark, pine needles, or leaf mold, feed in early spring, prune immediatly after flowering if needed
Long Term:
Winter:
None if given proper fall care
Spring:
Apply 2-3" layer of organic mulch, fertilize, deadhead after flowering, prune lightly to whape
Summer:
Give at least 1" water per week, mulch if not done in spring, protect from hot summer sum
Fall:
Deep water before ground freezes, give fresh mulch, do not prune or fertilize
General Care Comments:
While subject to many insects and diseases a healthy plant grown in the right environment with proper care should have limited problems
Common Problems
Soils too alkaline, too much direct sun, dessiccation
Diseases:
Blights, canker, crown rot, leaf gall, root rot, leaf spot, rust and powdery mildew
Insects:
Aphids, borers, lacebugs, caterpillars, leafhoppers, mealybugs, scale, thrips and whitefly
Environmental Problems:
Leaves may scorch in hot afternoon sun. Sensitive to toxins produced by roots of walnuts, butternuts, pecans and hickories. Poor drainage results in root rot.
Pests:
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