Overview & Description

Western Lights Azalea (Rhododendron x ‘Western Lights’) is a compact, rounded deciduous shrub prized for its stunning late-spring display of funnel-shaped, slightly fragrant dark pink blooms with distinctive purple-red throats. The showy flower clusters create a vibrant, eye-catching display against the semi-glossy, dark green foliage. This cold-hardy member of the Northern Lights series is well-suited for northern gardens and smaller landscapes.

Growth & Size

This variety exhibits a compact, rounded, mounding growth habit. It is a slow to moderate-growing shrub, typically reaching a mature size of about 30 – 36 inches in both height and spread.

Additional Notes

It blooms in late spring. Hardy to Zone 3, it prefers peaty, moist, acidic soil and thrives in partial shade to full sun with protection from harsh afternoon sun. Prune immediately after blooms are spent to control shape and encourage next season’s flowering. An outstanding choice for borders, foundation plantings, woodland gardens, and small gardens where fragrant dark pink blooms, compact form, and cold hardiness are desired.