Fashion Azalea

Fashion Azalea (Rhododendron x 'Fashion')

Fashion Azalea (Rhododendron x 'Fashion') is a compact evergreen azalea known for its vibrant coral-pink blooms and tidy, rounded habit. Part of the Southern Indica hybrid group, this cultivar offers a long bloom season and dependable color in warmer climates. With its glossy foliage and showy flowers, it's an ideal choice for borders, foundation plantings, and mass displays where bold spring color is desired.

Distinctive Features

Fashion Azalea grows 3 to 5 feet tall and wide, forming a dense, mounded shrub with small, dark green evergreen leaves. In spring, it produces a profusion of salmon-pink flowers with red flecks, creating a warm and eye-catching display. Blooming may continue intermittently into summer in mild climates. Its floriferous nature and evergreen presence make it a standout in both formal and naturalistic gardens.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Partial shade preferred; tolerates full sun in cooler climates with adequate moisture.
• Soil: Prefers acidic, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
• Water: Moderate; keep consistently moist but avoid soggy conditions.
• Humidity: Performs best in humid to moderately dry climates with proper airflow.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 7 to 9

Ideal Uses

• Foundation plantings to add color and structure near home entrances and walls
• Accent shrub for borders or island beds
• Woodland edges with partial shade
• Mass plantings for bold seasonal color
• Container gardens in sheltered locations with acidic soil mix

Low Maintenance Care

• Maintain even moisture, especially during establishment and flowering
• Prune lightly after bloom to encourage bushier growth and shape
• Use an acid-based fertilizer in spring and early summer
• Generally resistant to pests; avoid overhead watering to minimize foliar disease
• Mulch base to insulate roots; foliage may bronze slightly in colder zones

Why Choose Fashion Azalea?

• Striking coral-pink flowers with red highlights
• Compact evergreen form for smaller spaces and mixed borders
• Extended bloom window with potential rebloom in warm climates
• Low maintenance and easy care in acidic soils
• Versatile for use as a specimen or in mass plantings

For vibrant color and evergreen appeal in warm-climate landscapes, Fashion Azalea is a reliable and visually striking choice.