Karen Azalea
Rhododendron x 'Karen'
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Karen Azalea - #1 Container is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
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Your order is protected by our compliance system that:
- Prevents restricted plants from shipping to your state
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Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Fast, Safe Plant Delivery
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+ | $24.99 |
✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee
Understanding Plant Options
Nature Hills offers plants in two main formats:
- Container Plants: Grown in pots with soil, sized by container volume and plant age
- Bare Root Plants: Dormant plants without soil, sized by height measurements
Container Plant Sizes
Container sizes indicate plant age and growing capacity rather than liquid volume equivalents. Our containers follow industry-standard nursery "trade gallon" specifications, which differ from standard liquid gallon measurements.
Young Plants (6 months to 18 months old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 2" x 2" x 3" | 0.18 - 0.21 dry quarts | 0.20 - 0.23 dry liters |
| 4" Container | 0.31 - 0.87 dry quarts | 0.35 - 0.96 dry liters |
| 4.5" Container | 0.65 dry quarts | 0.72 dry liters |
| 6" Container | 1.4 dry quarts | 1.59 dry liters |
| 1 Quart | 1 dry quart | 1.1 dry liters |
| 5.5" Container | 1.89 dry quarts | 2.08 dry liters |
Established Plants (18 months to 2.5 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Quart | 2 dry quarts | 2.2 dry liters |
| #1 Container | 2.26 - 3.73 dry quarts | 2.49 - 4.11 dry liters |
| 5" x 5" x 12" | 3.5 - 4.3 dry quarts | 3.85 - 4.74 dry liters |
Mature Plants (2-4 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| #2 Container | 1.19 - 1.76 dry gallons | 5.24 - 7.75 dry liters |
| #3 Container | 2.15 - 2.76 dry gallons | 8.14 - 12.16 dry liters |
Large Plants (3-5 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| #5 Container | 2.92 - 4.62 dry gallons | 12.86 - 20.35 dry liters |
| #6 Container | 5.25 - 6.01 dry gallons | 23.12 - 26.42 dry liters |
| #7 Container | 5.98 - 6.53 dry gallons | 26.34 - 28.76 dry liters |
Bare Root Plants
Bare root plants are sold by height from the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may exceed minimum height requirements.
Common Sizes:
- Trees: 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet
- Shrubs & Perennials: 1 foot, 18 inches, 2 feet
Important Notes
Container Volume Specifications
- Trade Gallon Standard: Our containers follow industry-standard "trade gallon" specifications established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z60.1) for nursery stock
- Volume Variations: Actual soil volume may vary due to plant root systems and growing medium settlement
- Age Indicators: Container size primarily indicates plant age and maturity rather than liquid volume equivalents
Growing Conditions
- Plant size can vary based on variety and growing conditions
- Container size helps indicate plant maturity and establishment level
- Larger containers generally mean more established root systems and faster landscape establishment
Seasonal Availability
- Bare root plants are available seasonally when dormant
- Container plants are available throughout the growing season
- Specific varieties may have limited availability in certain sizes
Questions?
For questions about specific plant sizes or availability, please contact our plant experts who can help you choose the right size for your landscape needs.
Plant Highlights
Karen Azalea highlights at a glance!
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Brand
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Plant Class
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Botanical Name
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Characteristics
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Growing Zones4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
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Mature Height
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Mature Spread
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Moisture
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Soil
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Growth RateMedium
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Flower Color
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Pollinator Required
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Pruning Time
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Bloom PeriodEarly Spring
Growing Zones
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.
