Select Plants BOGO 50% Off!

Free Shipping On Orders Over $199

Reserve Your Spring Garden Now
Growing Zone: | Garden in
Find your Growing Zone!

Karen Azalea

Rhododendron x 'Karen'

Nature Hills Nursery
$3379
Shipping calculated at checkout.
In Stock
Plant not supported in Growing Zone. Update address

Unfortunately, this item cannot be shipped to your state.

Shipping to a different address?

Shipping to your area may be delayed due to weather conditions.

Shipping to a different address?

Enter your ZIP code to check shipping availability.

Find your Growing Zone
Plant Size

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

  • Sunlight: Karen Azaleas thrive in filtered sunlight or morning sun with afternoon shade. Aim for 4 to 6 hours of light; too much hot afternoon sun can scorch the evergreen leaves, while too much shade reduces the density of those vibrant lavender blooms.
  • Soil: These plants demand acidic, well drained soil that is rich in organic matter. If you are dealing with heavy clay, plant them in a raised mound to ensure the roots do not sit in water, which can lead to root rot.

Watering Requirements

During the first year, provide about one inch of water per week to help the root system knit into your native soil. Once established, the Karen Azalea is relatively hardy, but it will drop its inner leaves or produce fewer flower buds if it experiences extreme drought. Keep the soil consistently moist, similar to a wrung out sponge, to maintain its lush appearance.

Pruning Tips

Since this variety blooms on old wood, you must prune immediately after the flowers fade in late spring. Simply head back long stems to maintain a rounded shape and remove any dead wood to encourage fresh growth for next year's buds. Think of it like a post bloom haircut; if you wait until autumn, you will accidentally snip off all of next spring's flower show.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a slow release fertilizer formulated for acid loving plants, such as Holly-Tone, once in early spring before new growth starts. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer or fall. Doing so can trigger a flush of tender new growth that won't have time to harden off before the first frost, leading to significant winter dieback.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4 Week of March 30th
Zone 5 Week of March 16th
Zone 6 Week of March 2nd
Zone 7-12 Week of February 23rd


Shipping Rates

Ships in 3-4 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50 $9.99
$50 - $99.99 $14.99
$100 - $149.99 $16.99
$150 - $198.99 $24.99
$199+ FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee
Plant Sentry Protected

Plant Sentry™ Protected

Your order is protected by our compliance system that:

  • Prevents restricted plants from shipping to your state
  • Ensures plants meet your state's agricultural requirements
  • Protects gardens from invasive pests and diseases

Learn more about Plant Sentry™

What makes Karen Azalea special?

It's the most cold-hardy evergreen azalea with stunning double pinky-purple blooms that completely cover the plant in spring.

What Growing Conditions Does It Need?

Karen Azalea thrives in USDA zones 4-9 in partial shade with morning sun and afternoon protection. It needs acidic, well-drained soil and grows 2-4 feet tall by 3-5 feet wide at maturity. This compact evergreen performs best with consistent moisture but never soggy conditions.

How Do I Plant and Care for Karen Azalea?

Plant your Karen Azalea in a raised mound about 18 inches tall, leaving the top few inches of the root ball visible above ground. Cover with 3-4 inches of pine mulch (keeping it away from the stem). Mix peat moss and perlite into your soil to improve drainage and acidity.

Water regularly during dry spells and fertilize with acid-loving plant food in early spring. Prune only immediately after flowering ends to preserve next year's blooms. The shallow roots appreciate consistent moisture but hate standing water.

What Are the Key Benefits?

Your garden gets four-season structure from this evergreen that stays compact enough for small spaces and containers. The vibrant spring display attracts butterflies and hummingbirds right when your garden needs color most. Unlike many azaleas, this Gable Hybrid handles cold winters down to zone 4.

Karen Azalea works perfectly as a foundation plant, low hedge, or patio container specimen. The rounded form needs minimal pruning to maintain its neat appearance.

What Should I Know Before Buying?

This azalea must have acidic soil (pH 4.5-6.0) or it will struggle with chlorosis and poor growth. Plant in early spring or fall for best establishment. Afternoon shade is essential in zones 7-9 to prevent leaf scorch.

Pair Karen with other evergreen shrubs for winter structure or combine with early-blooming perennials for a coordinated spring display. For best impact, plant in groups of 3-5 spaced 3 feet apart. Consider our complete rhododendron care guide for detailed growing tips.

Growing Zones 5-9

Find Your Growing Zone!
Back to top

Find Your Garden's Growing Zone!

Your Current Growing Zone:

Zone

ZIP Code:

✓ Growing Zone Set Successfully!

Your zone has been saved and will be used throughout the site.

⚠ Unable to locate a growing zone for that ZIP code.

Please check your ZIP code and try again.

Looking up your growing zone...

When ordering a tree or plant, make sure to know your planting zone.

You can determine your garden's USDA hardiness zone by entering your Zip Code below.