'My Mary' deciduous azalea

‘My Mary’ is a hybrid deciduous azalea (R. ‘Nacoochee’ x R. austrinum) ending its flowering cycle in my spring garden. ‘My Mary’ has been a steady performer, averaging 4-5 feet in height in 10 years. Its clusters of bright yellow orange tubular flowers measure 2 1/2” across. Its early morning sweet fragrance is a gentle hint for me to take notice.

‘My Mary’ is one of several native deciduous azaleas which thrive in the Southern Appalachian region (USDA zones 6-7). They’re really native rhododendrons and grow best in a well-drained acidic soil richly amended with compost. Provide young azaleas weekly irrigation during their first two summers for plants to become established after two years. Native azaleas are quite heat and drought tolerant after their period of adjustment.

‘My Mary’ grows best planted in dappled sunlight or high open shade. Protection from strong winds reduces winter bud desiccation. Proper soil drainage avoids potential root rot or “wet feet”problems. Planting azaleas in raised garden bed benefits.

Azaleas benefit from organic mulches (wood or bark chips, shredded leaves or pine needles) to conserve soil moisture and moderate soil temperatures. Test your soil every 4-5 years to insure an acidic pH lower than 5.8. Acidic fertilizers like Miracle Gro™ and Miracid™ are excellent sources of both major and minor nutrients.

‘My Mary’ was introduced by Transplant Nursery in Lavonia, GA.