The Compact Azalea Variety You Can Grow In A Pot For Colorful Blooms

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While there are plenty of in-ground landscaping options for dwarf azaleas, they really pack a punch as charming container plants. 'Orchid Lights' azalea (Rhododendron 'Orchid Lights') makes an especially versatile potted shrub. Its graceful height creates a strong centerpiece in a large-container mixed planting, yet it's also showy enough to stand on its own as a colorful, single-plant potted specimen. Best of all, 'Orchid Lights' provides color to your yard or patio in spring, when many of your other flowering shrubs are only just leafing out.

Part of the super-hardy Northern Lights series developed by the University of Minnesota, 'Orchid Lights' is a winter-hardy variety of azalea that will bring color to your spring garden. If you're used to southern versions of azaleas appearing in blaring shades of lipstick red and hot pink, 'Orchid Lights' might just be something of a revelation. These northern beauties cover themselves in delicate, pinkish-purple-colored blooms in April and May. The 1½-inch blooms provide further interest with yellow spots toward the center.

When it comes to the fun part — decorating your patio or front steps with 'Orchid Lights' — your main choice will be whether to establish the compact azalea in its own pot or to group it with others. When choosing the latter, the classic three-plant combination of "thriller/filler/spiller" can apply, with 'Orchid Lights' acting as the thriller at the center. Plant trailing plants at the edges, and a filler of your choice between the azalea and the trailers.

Not surprisingly, the containers known as azalea pots can be ideal for dwarf azaleas like 'Orchid Lights.' Grow it in a pot at least 2 feet in diameter to accommodate the shallow, spreading root system. Azaleas thrive in acidic soils that drain well but hold some moisture. When growing a compact azalea such as 'Orchid Lights' in containers, it's important to choose the right potting mix for the plant. Look for one specifically geared to this type of shrub, such as Coast of Maine's Organic & Natural Planting Soil for Acid-Loving Plants.

Place the container holding your 'Orchid Lights' shrub in an area where it'll get dappled shade throughout the day or morning sun and afternoon shade. Because container soil dries out faster than garden soil, water the shrub frequently enough so that the soil remains evenly moist. Come winter, patio plants can be moved indoors if needed. But it's always helpful to have hardy types like 'Orchid Lights' when you're worried about overwintering your potted plants.

Azaleas, as a group, don't always need plant food when growing in garden beds. But pot-grown types don't always get the benefits of decomposing bark and leaves from the surrounding soil. If you fertilize your potted azalea, opt for a product that's geared toward acid-loving plants. Mulching the soil's surface with shredded bark will also give it the acidic nutrients it craves.