Azalea 'Karen'

Karen Azalea

Azalea ‘Karen’ is a reliable evergreen azalea admired for its bright rose-pink flowers and excellent cold hardiness. Blooming in mid to late spring, the single flowers often show subtle darker freckles, creating a cheerful, eye-catching display.

The plant forms a dense, low, spreading habit with dark green evergreen foliage that provides year-round structure. ‘Karen’ is widely regarded as one of the hardiest evergreen azaleas, performing well in colder regions where many evergreen types struggle.

Key features


Width: 4–6 ft



Height: 3–4 ft



Flower color: Rose-pink with subtle darker markings



Bloom time: Mid to late spring



Foliage: Dark green, evergreen



Form: Dense, low, spreading



Life cycle: Evergreen shrub



Growing conditions


Sun: Part shade (morning sun, afternoon shade preferred)



Soil: Acidic, moist, well-drained; rich in organic matter



Water: Moderate; consistent moisture preferred



Hardiness: USDA Zones 5b–8b



Landscape use


Foundation plantings



Woodland edges and shade gardens



Evergreen mass plantings



Mixed shrub borders



Notes


One of the most cold-tolerant evergreen azaleas



Generally deer resistant



Mulch to keep roots cool and evenly moist



Protect from winter winds in colder sites



Prune immediately after flowering if shaping is needed

Plant type

Broadleaf Evergreen

Height

3-4'

Width

4-6'

Hardiness zones

5–8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Late Spring, Spring

Flower color

Lavender

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Dark Green

Attracts

Bees

Soil

Loamy well-drained, Sandy well-drained

Landscape use

Mass Planting

Shape

Oval/Rounded, Wide Spreading

Bark

Smooth

Fruit

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No