The Purple Formosa Azalea is a spring-blooming southern Indica hybrid rhododendron. This Azalea produces rich purple single-form blooms. In spring, lush green evergreen foliage emerges as a light green before maturing to a deep green hue.
The Purple Formosa Azalea matures to 6-8′ H x 5-6′ W. Use this Azalea in hedges, small screens, borders, foundations, mixed beds, or accent plantings.
Plant it with contrasting color and texture plants for maximum effect, such as the Soft Caress Mahonia or Nandinas
For a mixed hedge with different color blooms plant with Red Formosa Azaleas
Hardy from USDA Zones 7-10.
Plant in Partial Sun for best results. Filtered Sun for much of the day or 2-3 hours of direct sun a day is sufficient. Too much sun will stress the plant, while too little sun will result in decreased foliage and bloom potential.
This rhododendron has only medium water requirements once established. For the first growing season, provide supplementary water 2-3 times a week in average weather conditions.
The Purple Formosa Azalea prefers acidic to neutral soil for the best results. Also, please make sure that the soil drains well to avoid root rot.
Fertilize in early spring with balanced acidic plant fertilizer. This will help ensure future growth and blooms, as well as promote the overall well-being of your plant.
Trim after the bloom cycle has ended. The Purple Formosa Azalea, like other yearly blooming rhododendrons, begins compiling the next year’s blooms after the end of the current year’s cycle. Trimming too late will decrease the number of potential blooms for the next year.
To create a seamless hedge we recommend planting 4′ apart and to create individual shrubs plant at least 6′ apart