Azalea 'Mandarin Lights'

Mandarin Lights Azalea Exbury

Azalea ‘Mandarin Lights’ is a vibrant deciduous azalea from the Northern Lights series, celebrated for its brilliant tangerine-orange flowers and outstanding cold hardiness. Blooming in mid to late spring, the fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers appear in bold clusters and make a striking statement in cooler-climate gardens. Foliage turns attractive red to burgundy in fall for added seasonal interest.

The shrub forms an upright to rounded habit with good density and strong presence in the landscape. As a deciduous azalea, it tolerates more sun than evergreen types and excels in northern regions.

Key features


Width: 4–6 ft



Height: 4–6 ft



Flower color: Bright tangerine-orange



Bloom time: Mid to late spring



Foliage: Green; deciduous with red-burgundy fall color



Form: Upright, rounded shrub



Life cycle: Deciduous shrub



Growing conditions


Sun: Full sun to part shade (best flowering with morning sun)



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



Water: Moderate; consistent moisture preferred



Hardiness: USDA Zones 4a–7b



Landscape use


Specimen shrub



Mixed shrub borders



Woodland and naturalized gardens



Cold-climate foundation plantings



Notes


Part of the Northern Lights series, bred for exceptional cold tolerance



Fragrant flowers attract pollinators



Mulch to conserve moisture and protect roots



Prune immediately after flowering if shaping is needed

Plant type

Deciduous Shrub, Flowering Shrub

Height

4-6'

Width

4-6'

Hardiness zones

4–8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Late Spring, Spring

Flower color

Orange

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Red

Soil

Loamy

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Container, Mass Planting

Shape

Broad Upright

Bark

Smooth

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No