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Does anyone successfully grow Northern Lights Azalea?
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Posted by
redpeony z3 calgary (
My Page) on
Sun, Nov 4, 07 at 21:16
This year I planted a golden lights azalea, one of the northern lights group. I was wondering if any one in a cold zone like myself, has had an success growing this type of plant. I did post on the azalea forum to get some advice on the best ways to winter protect, so I think I know what I am going to try. Am I correct in thinking that I need to wait until the daytime temperatures stay below freezing before I bundle up my zone 4 plants for the winter? I did already put up the chicken wire cages, but now I am waiting to put in some cardboard to block the wind, and then fill it up with shredded leaves. It was suggested to me to make a type of lid with a slope so the snow doesn't pack the leaves down too much - but still keep good air circulation.
Does any one else have any suggestions?
Janet |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Does anyone successfully grow Northern Lights Azalea?
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| My daughter gave me one a few years ago. I tried every trick and tip there was but it still didn't make it through the winter. Sorry! |
RE: Does anyone successfully grow Northern Lights Azalea?
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| I "shovel pruned" mine this spring. I pruchased two Northern Lights Lemon a couple of years ago and although they didn't die, they had a few flowers on the bottom in the spring and then that was it. Not enough show for the space in the flower beds. Of course, I didn't do anything to protect them from the winter but I figure we've got enough hardy plants that will put on a better show and by the fall, I'm not in the mood for fussing |
RE: Does anyone successfully grow Northern Lights Azalea?
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| Years back, I had grown several varieties of the Northern Light series. The brief season of bloom simpply was not worth all the effort of having to protect them through the winter! Terry |
RE: Does anyone successfully grow Northern Lights Azalea?
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In Edmonton, I grew one for several years and although it stayed alive, it didn't do much more than that. I think it only bloomed the spring after I planted it, and only with a few flowers. I wasn't growing it for the foliage, so I chopped it out after a few years. I didn't give mine any winter protection, so I would say you are definitely on the right track giving it a snug bed for the winter.
-Don |
RE: Does anyone successfully grow Northern Lights Azalea?
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| I've had White Lights for several years, and it's still only about a foot, or a touch taller. Rosy Lights, I've had for 2 winters now. We get good snow cover here, and I shovel extra on top of them as well. In Calgary, however, you're smart to give them a good covering. One spring, about 2 or 3 years ago, White Lights did wow me with blooms all over, but it hasn't repeated that again. I may have to try moving it to a better location with less competition. Good luck with yours. |
RE: Does anyone successfully grow Northern Lights Azalea?
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| Tried 2 here in Edmonton and both made it through the winter but couldn't survive the spring frosts. I've given up. That's just a bit too touchy for me. Although they can be pretty, I also decided that they just aren't worth the effort for the amount of space they take. Shauna |
RE: Does anyone successfully grow Northern Lights Azalea?
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| So to update how I have protected my azalea. I put some shredded leaves in the cage, but then I used bags of leaves around the outside of the plant, and one over the top. I read about people doing this on the hydrangea forum - so I thought I would give it a try. Unfortunately, I could probably have used even more bags of leaves, but I didn't have anymore to use. I will post again in spring and let everyone know how things went. If this doesn't work though, it will be replaced with something else. Janet |
RE: Does anyone successfully grow Northern Lights Azalea?
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| I've grown several Northern Lights azaleas for over 10 years. They are very slow growing but bloom every year. Besides provided an acid based growing medium by adding a high amount of peat moss and soil prep (made from composted bark) when planting them, I make sure and water them good before the ground freezes, and add a huge amount of mulch from fallen leaves. Other than this, I don't cover them or do anything more. In our arid climate, they grow best in filtered sunlight, and must have a good mulch during the summer. |
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