Rhododendron simsii - Formosa azalea
Family Ericaceae
Description:
Approximately 800 species of Rhododendron are native to Asia, Europe and North America. Formosa azalea is a large evergreen shrub, to ten feet tall. Spring flowers are in shades of white and pink. The flowers attract butterflies and bees. Most azaleas flower in mass for a few weeks in late winter or early spring. Some cultivars and hybrids may rebloom during the growing season.
Location:
See plants in front of the library along parking lot 2 and around building 51.
Size:
Shrubs ranging in size from about five to ten feet tall.
Care Instructions:
Light: full sun to shade
Water: drought tolerant once established but may require irrigation when grown in the sun, especially during prolonged droughts
Soil: well-drained soil, requires a low pH
Other - flower buds are on the previous year's growth, prune after flowering
Formosa azaleas are easy to grow in northeast Florida in sun or shade. Leaf yellowing may occur when planted against concrete (because it raises the pH.)