Species azalea
light-pink flowers with white filaments, yellow anthers, Iime stigmas, green leaves and pink-lime buds

azalea

Rhododendron 'Margaret Hyatt'

Azalea (Rhododendron 'Margaret Hyatt') is a beautiful evergreen shrub with an upright, rounded habit. Lush green foliage matures to purple-red shades in the fall. In late spring, the shrub is covered in an abundance of vibrant magenta blooms, with some petals fading to pale pink. This variety prefers full sunshine or light shade and soil that is well-draining yet moist. It is adept at tolerating extreme temperatures. Azalea 'Margaret Hyatt' is an excellent choice for borders or for use in shrub beds or as an accent plant. Its compact size makes it perfect for smaller gardens, too.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

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

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 8

Flowers:

Purplish pink with red spotting on upper petal Flowers

Sun:

Part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Poisonous To Pets:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Azalea (Rhododendron 'Margaret Hyatt') prefers moist, well-drained soil and should be watered thoroughly once every 2 weeks. Ensure that the soil has dried out at least 1 inch deep before watering again, as this will help reduce the risk of root rot caused by over-watering. During especially hot weather or times of drought, water more frequently but do not let the soil stay soggy. When watering, saturate the root zone several times for the best results.

sunlight

Azalea (Rhododendron 'Margaret Hyatt') do best in partial sun, meaning they require 4 to 6 hours of bright, indirect sunlight, preferably in the morning. Too much sun can lead to leaf scorch and expose the plant to too much heat. During the hottest parts of the day, it’s best to provide some shade. Similarly, too little sunlight will leave the plant weak and leggy. A spot that gets a few hours of direct sun with bright, indirect light for the remainder of the day is ideal.

pruning

Azaleas (Rhododendron 'Margaret Hyatt') need to be pruned twice a year; once in late spring after blooming, and again in mid-summer. When pruning in late spring, remove the spent blooms and any dead, dying, or broken branches. You may also trim the plant to maintain or create a desired shape. When pruning in mid-summer, trim back any excessively long or leggy branches. Pruning should only remove a maximum of 1-third of the plant's total branch length. This will ensure ongoing branch growth and a healthy, vigorous plant.

Season

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

Rhododendron 'Margaret Hyatt' 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.