Elsie Lee Azalea

Elsie Lee Azalea (Rhododendron 'Elsie Lee')

Elsie Lee Azalea (Rhododendron 'Elsie Lee') is a cold-hardy evergreen azalea known for its striking lavender double blooms and reliable spring performance. This popular hybrid brings elegance and color to the landscape with large, ruffled flowers and a tidy, mounding habit. Its ability to withstand colder climates makes it a standout among deciduous and evergreen azaleas alike, offering both beauty and resilience for gardeners in northern zones.

Distinctive Features

Growing 3 to 4 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide, Elsie Lee forms a dense, rounded shrub with glossy, dark green foliage that remains attractive year-round. In mid to late spring, it produces abundant clusters of semi-double lavender-purple flowers with subtle reddish spotting on the upper petals. The blooms are large, up to 3 inches across, and create a vibrant display that pairs well with both pastel and bold-colored companions in the garden.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Best in partial shade; tolerates full sun in cooler climates with adequate moisture.
• Soil: Prefers acidic, well-drained soils enriched with organic matter.
• Water: Moderate; keep consistently moist but never soggy, especially during bloom time.
• Humidity: Adapts well to a range of conditions with proper air circulation.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 8

Ideal Uses

• Foundation plantings for spring color and evergreen structure
• Mixed borders with other flowering shrubs and perennials
• Shade gardens where lavender blooms brighten understory plantings
• Woodland edges for naturalistic settings
• Accent plantings as a seasonal focal point

Low Maintenance Care

• Keep soil evenly moist, especially during establishment and bloom
• Prune lightly after flowers fade to maintain size and encourage fullness
• Use an acid-based fertilizer in early spring and after bloom
• Resistant to most common azalea pests with good airflow
• Mulch base in late fall to protect roots in colder zones

Why Choose Elsie Lee Azalea?

• Lavender double blooms provide elegant spring color
• Cold hardy and dependable where many azaleas struggle
• Compact and tidy with minimal maintenance
• Evergreen foliage offers year-round presence
• Versatile for both formal and informal gardens

For vivid color and dependable performance in a cold-hardy form, Elsie Lee Azalea is a standout addition to any landscape.