Azalea 'Elsie Lee'

Elsie Lee Azalea

Azalea ‘Elsie Lee’ is a popular evergreen azalea known for its large, fully double lavender to lilac flowers and lush, romantic appearance. Blooming in mid to late spring, the ruffled, rose-like blossoms create a rich, showy display that stands out in shaded landscapes.

The shrub forms a dense, upright to rounded habit with dark green, glossy evergreen foliage, providing year-round structure and making it an excellent foundation or specimen plant. ‘Elsie Lee’ is valued for its large flower size and strong garden presence.

Key features


Width: 4–6 ft



Height: 4–5 ft



Flower color: Lavender to lilac (double)



Bloom time: Mid to late spring



Foliage: Dark green, evergreen



Form: Dense, upright to rounded



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 6b–9a



Landscape use


Foundation plantings



Woodland and shade gardens



Evergreen mass plantings



Mixed shrub borders



Notes


Valued for large, fully double blooms



Generally deer resistant



Mulch to keep roots cool and evenly moist



Avoid hot afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch



Prune immediately after flowering if shaping is needed

Plant type

Broadleaf Evergreen, Flowering Shrub

Height

4'

Width

6'

Hardiness zones

5–8

Sunlight

Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Late Spring, Mid Spring

Flower color

Lavender

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Green

Attracts

Bees

Soil

Normal, Well Drained

Landscape use

Container, Foundation, Mass Planting

Shape

Oval/Rounded, Spreading

Bark

Smooth

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No