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Rhododendron 'Pink Ruffles'
Florist Azalea, Rhodie
These deciduous or evergreen shrubs come in dozens of varieties and bloom in a wide range of colors. A species of Rhododendron, with similar soil and water requirements, Azalea may flower earlier and are usually smaller. The free-blooming and long-lived plants are usually as broad as they are tall, and are good for shrub beds, as backgrounds to flower borders, along pathways or in open areas. Some types bear fragrant flowers, such as lemon-scented Alabama Azalea (Rhododendron alabamense) and rose-scented Coast Azalea (Rhododendron atlanticum). Plant in acid soil in filtered sunlight or light shade, although plants tolerate full sun in cool-summer areas. Use soil rich in organic matter, which retains water and drains quickly. Plant in fall or spring with the top of the root ball slightly above the soil level. Water immediately after planting and spread a generous layer of mulch. Fertilize after flowering ends but before July 4. Never prune after mid-summer because those branches produce the next season's flowers. Never cultivate the surface soil near Azaleas. Spray to control lace bugs and petal blight. Susceptible to Chlorosis, yellowing foliage while leaves remain green. Although this signals an iron deficiency, the trouble is not a shortage of iron in the soil, but rather the plant's inability to get iron because soil is waterlogged or poorly aerated. |

Although developed to be grown in greenhouses, evergreen Florist Azaleas are also grown in the open air of coastal California. Low-growing and heavy blooming with pink to violet-red flowers.
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Attributes - Rhododendron 'Pink Ruffles'
Plant Type: Shrub
Bloom Season: Early Spring through Late Spring
Flower Color: Pink
Foliage: Evergreen
Height: 4 ft. to 6 ft.
Width: 6 ft.
Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial Sun
Climate: Zones 10, 11
Notes: Thrives in Acid Soil. Fragrant, Showy Flowers.
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Related Plants
Rhododendron 'Apple Blossom', Rhododendron 'Christopher Wren', Rhododendron 'Coccinea Speciosa', Rhododendron x 'Coral Bells', Rhododendron 'Dream', Rhododendron 'Fielder's White', Rhododendron x 'Formosa', Rhododendron 'George Lindley Tabor', Rhododendron 'Purple Splendor', Rhododendron 'Red Wing', Rhododendron austrinum
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