Rhododendron ‘Karens’

Slightly fragrant and exceptionally cold-hardy, Rhododendron ‘Karens’ is a very eye-catching, dense, and compact, semi-evergreen Azalea. In mid to late spring, it bears abundant clusters of 3 to 4 large, open, funnel-shaped, rich reddish-purple flowers, up to 2 in. wide (5 cm), elegantly darker freckled. The foliage of elliptic, glossy, olive-green leaves takes on wine-red and coppery shades in fall and winter. A very reliable performer, this showy Azalea is tough and can withstand temperatures as low as -25ºF (-31ºC). It is said to tolerate neutral soils.

• Grows with a dense upright habit, up to 3-5 ft. tall and wide (90-150 cm).
• Winner of the Rhododendron of the Year Award of the American Rhododendron Society for the Great Lakes and South Central regions.
• A sun to part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in moist, acidic, humusy, well-drained soils. Tolerates a fair amount of sun in cool northern summers. Plant shallowly in a location protected from strong winter winds. Protect from frost to prevent damage to flowers. Mulch annually with leaf mold to retain moisture, control weeds, and cool the soil.
• Perfect for shrub borders or mixed borders, as a flowering hedge or privacy screen, foundation plantings, and shade gardens. Great for small gardens or containers too!
• Attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and birds.
• Removing spent flowers promotes new growth.
• All parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.