Azalea hybrid 'Fridoline'

– Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators

– Flowers are nectar-rich but generally not favored by deer

– Spring: Main bloom season (mid to late spring)

– Summer: Foliage remains evergreen and attractive

– Fall/Winter: Evergreen presence; may show some leaf bronzing in colder climates

– Foundation plantings – borders – woodland gardens – shade gardens – low hedges – containers – mass planting under deciduous trees

– Evergreen, small to medium leaves

– Rich glossy green foliage that provides year-round texture

– Compact and dense foliage habit

– Clusters of bright red, funnel-shaped blooms

– Medium-sized flowers with ruffled edges

– Very showy, with a vivid contrast against dark green leaves

– Blooms appear in mid to late spring

– Site selection: Choose a location with dappled sunlight and well-drained, acidic soil (pH 4.5–6.0).

– Soil prep: Amend with organic matter such as peat moss or compost. Avoid heavy clay or alkaline soils.

– Spacing: Space plants 2–3 feet apart to allow air circulation and future growth.

– Planting depth: Plant so the top of the root ball is level with or just above the soil surface.

– Mulching: Apply 2–3 inches of pine bark or leaf mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds, keeping it away from the trunk.

– Best time to plant: Early spring or early fall, when temperatures are mild and roots can establish.

– Timing: Immediately after flowering, before new buds form (late spring to early summer)

– Method: Light shaping or removal of dead/damaged branches. Do not prune heavily or late in the season, as it may reduce next year's blooms

– Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy, especially during establishment

– Water deeply during dry spells; use mulch to retain moisture

– Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal leaf issues

– Prefers partial shade or filtered sunlight

– Avoid harsh afternoon sun, especially in hot climates, as it may scorch leaves

– Not typically harvested; grown strictly for ornamental purposes

– No parts are used for culinary or medicinal harvest

– Apply a slow-release, acid-forming fertilizer for azaleas in early spring, just before new growth

– Optionally fertilize again lightly after blooming

– Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote leaves at the expense of flowers

– Self-fertile but not grown for fruit

– Pollinated by bees and other small insects

– Flowers are nectar-rich, encouraging visits from pollinators

– Ferns (e.g., Dryopteris, Athyrium) – offer soft contrast and thrive in similar soil

– Heuchera – colorful foliage pairs well and prefers shade

– Hosta – bold texture and similar light/moisture preferences

– Pieris japonica – acid-loving evergreen shrub for layered height

– Camellia, Hydrangea (macrophylla) – for extended bloom interest in acidic beds