Azalea ‘Karen’

Azalea ‘Karen’: Lavender Spring and Evergreen Backbone

One of the most reliable evergreen azaleas for colder climates, ‘Karen’ offers a luminous spring display of soft lavender-pink flowers with a subtle red-purple flush. Blooming heavily in mid-spring, it forms a dense, rounded shrub with rich green foliage that develops bronze tones in colder months. Its compact, hardy habit and year-round structure make it an essential azalea for northern gardens, delivering both beauty and backbone to mixed shrub borders, foundation plantings, and partial shade beds.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 90–120 cm (3–4 ft)
• Spread: 90–120 cm (3–4 ft)
• Flower Colour: Lavender-pink with reddish undertones
• Flowering Period: Mid-spring
• Foliage: Evergreen, dark green turning bronze in winter
• Sunlight Requirements: Part shade to filtered sun
• Soil Requirements: Acidic, moist but well-drained, organically rich

Uses and Benefits: Excellent for foundation plantings, informal groupings, or woodland edges. ‘Karen’ thrives in dappled shade and offers evergreen structure along with spring bloom. It’s a dependable performer where other azaleas may struggle with winter damage. An early source of nectar for pollinators and a refined presence in the garden year-round.

Care Instructions: Prefers acidic soil with high organic matter. Water regularly in the first season and during dry spells. Mulch annually to keep roots cool and retain moisture. Prune after flowering to maintain shape. Avoid wet or heavy soils and excessive sun exposure, especially in winter.

History: ‘Karen’ is a Gable hybrid azalea, developed by Joseph Gable for improved cold tolerance and floral beauty. Its durability and classic colouring have made it a staple in gardens across the northeastern U.S. and Canada.

Final Thoughts: With dependable spring bloom and evergreen form, ‘Karen’ provides lasting structure and charm. It’s a trusted choice for landscapes that require both winter resilience and seasonal beauty.