Azalea ‘Pride of Mobile’

$19.98

Details

This magnificent spring bloomer is a staple in milder climates with its vivid pink petals, red splotchy markings, and evergreen foliage. And although the flowers are the main draw, the foliage makes a superb supporting cast—it emerges as pale green before maturing to a striking emerald shade. Pride of Mobile does best in soil that is acidic to slightly acidic but must be well-drained in order to avoid rotting. Once it’s established, you’ll enjoy watering it a bit less. Be sure you’re balancing its sunlight needs properly as well, as too much sun results in plant stress and too little sun impacts leaf and bloom production. Aim for no more than 2–3 hours of direct sunlight a day, or a full day of dappled sun, and you should hit that sweet spot perfectly. Annual pruning is easy, too, with spring trimming scheduled for right after Pride of Mobile finishes blooming. Don’t wait too long, though, as this plant starts compiling next year’s blooms pretty quickly! You (and your neighboring butterflies) will enjoy this plant for both its beauty and its landscape value.

Features & Benefits

  • Bright pink/lavender spring blooms with red speckles
  • Large 3–4” flower size
  • Evergreen foliage
  • Moderate to fast growth rate
  • Great for part-sun hedges or woodland borders and cottage gardens
  • Attracts butterflies
  • Prized for cut blooming branches for indoor arrangements
  • Poisonous to pets and humans

Care & Space

  • Plant in part sun to part shade
  • Plant Height: 6–8’
  • Plant Width: 10–12’ over time
  • Growth habit: Bushy and mounding
  • Requires moist, well-drained, and acidic soil with average water; less water once established. 
  • Prune and fertilize after bloom has completed in the spring.
  • USDA Zones 7b–10b