Species azalea

azalea

Rhododendron 'Ben Moseley'

Azalea 'Ben Moseley' is a stunning evergreen shrub with deep red blooms and deep green foliage. Perfect for gardens, it lives up to 8 feet tall and wide. The fragrant flowers appear early in spring attracting birds, butterflies and pollinators. This slow growing plant is tolerant of acidic soil, full sun to partial shade and is drought-tolerant once established. When planted in a sunny spot, expect to be rewarded with an abundance of colorful blooms. Prune carefully as needed to shape and maintain desired size. An ideal plant for any landscape setting, provide an ideal habitat for azalea 'Ben Moseley' and watch it flourish.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Layering Propagation,Cutting,Grafting Propagation,Division,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 8

Flowers:

Light pink with a reddish-purple blotch Flowers

Sun:

Part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Moderate

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Azaleas (Rhododendron 'Ben Moseley') are beautiful flowering shrubs that prefer moist, well-drained soil. Generally, they should be watered once or twice a week, depending on your local climate. In warmer climates, they may need more frequent watering, while in cooler climates, watering once every 2 weeks may be sufficient. Be sure to check the soil moisture regularly and water when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil is dry. When watering, do so at the base of the plant and slowly until the ground is saturated. Over-watering can lead to root rot, so be sure to water only as much as the plant needs.

sunlight

Azalea (Rhododendron 'Ben Moseley') grows best in partial shade, where it will receive 4-6 hours of sunlight per day. The morning sun is most beneficial for this plant species, with the afternoon light best kept indirect. When the temperatures rise, it is even better to provide more shade for the azalea. In the summer, planting it in a shadier spot can help it tolerate higher temperatures. It will need protected from too much winter sun as well.

pruning

Azalea plants (Rhododendron 'Ben Moseley') should be pruned once a year, when the flowers fade. This can usually happen in the late spring or early summer. When pruning azaleas, it is important to cut back new growth lightly and selectively. This will not only remove dead and damaged branches, but also help promote additional flowering. Remove no more than 1-third of the shrub's stem length, making sure not to cut below what appears to be a live section of the stem. Additionally, be sure to selectively prune any shoots that are growing in an unusual direction or excessively crossing each other. This will ensure all azaleas remain healthy and blooming.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Rhododendron 'Ben Moseley' typically starts flowering in April.

Hardiness Map

FAQ

Is Azalea an evergreen flower?

Yes, azaleas are an evergreen flower. These flowering shrubs are deciduous, meaning that they have leaves that hold on through winter and bloom annually with beautiful and colorful pink, white or purple flowers. Azaleas are grown primarily for their attractive blossoms and attractive green foliage, which are a great addition to any garden.

How do I propagate azalea?

Propagating azaleas through cuttings is the most common method of propagation and is done best in autumn or early spring. To do this, use sharp, sterile pruning shears to cut a 3- to 4-inch length of softwood from a healthy branch of the azalea cluster. Ensure there are at least 2 to 3 sets of leaves on each cutting, and remove any larger leaves at the base. Prepare a pot with a potting mix containing 1-2 parts of sterile compost, 1 part of perlites and some rooting hormone. Stick the cuttings 1-2 inches into the potting mix and mist with water. Keep the pot in indirect sunlight, and keep the soil moist at all times. Once the roots begin to form, the new azalea is ready to be planted.

Can azalea plant propagate by cutting?

Yes, azaleas can be propagated by cuttings. Taking softwood cuttings from the soft-stemmed varieties of azalea is the most common way of propagating them. This can be done by taking a cutting that is 4-6 inches in length, using a sharp-edged garden shear or knife. The cutting should be taken from the semi-ripened shoots, which are generally found at the tips of branches. Place the cuttings into soil and mist lightly to aid them in rooting. Keep the soil moist, and the cuttings should root and establish themselves in a few weeks.

Can Azaleas grow indoors?

Yes, Azaleas can grow indoors with the proper care and environment. To keep your Azalea plant indoors you'll need to make sure that it has a spot with plenty of indirect sunlight, like near a window, to help it produce brightly colored flowers. The soil should also be kept evenly moist and well-drained, and the room should be kept at a temperature around 65°-75°F. With a bit of effort, an Azalea plant can thrive indoors and give you a stunning display of flowers every year.

Can Azalea survive in cold climates?

Azaleas can tolerate cold climates, but extreme temperatures can damage the plant. When temperatures dip below -6 °C (21 °F), most varieties of azaleas cannot survive. Protecting azaleas from the cold using covers, such as burlap, is one way to guard against harsh temperatures. Additionally, mulching around the base of the azaleas, using materials such as pine bark can also help protect the plants from the colder weather. When it gets too cold, move the azaleas inside, where temperatures are more controlled.

Can all azalea varieties bloom at the same time of the year?

No, all azalea varieties cannot bloom at the same time of the year. Each variety blooms during a specific time, with some blooming in the late winter and early spring, while others might bloom in late spring or early summer. Some azaleas, like evergreen azaleas, also have multiple blooming times throughout the year. Depending on the variety and climate, the best time for planting azaleas is usually in the late winter or early spring.

Is it necessary to mulch around azalea?

Yes, it is necessary to mulch around an azalea. Mulching an azalea will provide it with important nutrients and an overall healthier environment for the shrub. Mulch also helps reduce weeds, retains moisture, and regulates soil temperature. To ensure success, use a well-draining, organic mulch such as cypress or cedar, and apply it in a 4-6 inch layer. Make sure to keep the mulch away from the azalea’s stems to prevent rot. In addition, remember to check your mulch throughout the growing season and reapply when necessary.

Is it normal for azaleas to drop their leaves in the fall?

Yes, it is normal for azaleas to drop their leaves in the fall season. In Autumn, azaleas will naturally go through their life cycle and shed their leaves as part of the plant’s dormancy process. This is a natural part of the plant’s life cycle and should not be a cause for alarm. Shedding leaves is a normal defense that a plant uses to preserve energy and nutrients during times of adverse weather.