Azaleas and Rhododendrons for Minnesota

Azaleas and Rhododendrons are close relatives with nearly identical needs. Their native location is at the edges of forests, with lots of organic matter in the soil (leaf mold, etc.), very good drainage, and acid soil (pH of 4 to 5.5). They do not tolerate hot sites or winter winds. Rhododendrons prefer dappled light, while Azaleas like lots of sun during the growing season. Ample moisture is necessary for both. In Minnesota, the hardy 'Northern Lights' series of Azaleas was developed beginning in 1957.

Rhododendron prinophyllum in Illinois

In Illinois, Rhododendron prinophyllum is usually found on acidic, rocky soils in the understory of oak and oak-shortleaf pine forests. Common companion plants include small red maples (Acer rubrum L.), sour gum (Nyssa sylvatica Marsh.), flowering dogwood (Cornus florida L.), farkleberry (Vaccinium arboreum Marsh.), and the low-bush blueberry, Vaccinium vacillans Torrey. The azaleas often grow on north or west-facing slopes and generally do not flower well except along the edges of trails or where the forest was thin.

Rhododendron in Iowa

I found this lovely pale lavender rhododendron blooming on a wonderful blog called An Iowa Garden.

Rhododendrons in St. Cloud, Minnesota

Quarry Creek Nursery in St. Cloud, Minnesota has a nice selection of rhododendrons.

Rhododendrons for Minnesota

Azaleas and rhododendrons, best known for their showy, colorful flowers, can be used in many Minnesota landscapes if the proper species and cultivars are selected.
Rhododendron "Pink Lights" (Pink Lights Azalea) was developed and released in 1984 by the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.

Wild Rhododendrons on Whidbey Island

There is a beautiful old campground near Coupeville on Whidbey Island, Washington. It is where the wild rhododendrons grow. I remember it from my childhood.

Family legend says my uncle shot a bear here.