Plant/Tree of the Month
June 2006

‘Boudoir’ Azalea

The Azalea ‘Boudoir’ is one of the evergreen Azaleas that has been around for many many years and has proven its ability to tolerate Wooster winters. Because it keeps its leaves through the winter it is subject to winter ‘Freezer Burn’. Sites for planting should be chosen carefully. The best sites are ones that afford protection from dessicating winter winds. Often the East or North sides of a building are good locations. It prefers acid soils pH 5.5-6.5. Our soils here typically are slightly acid or nearly neutral and are within its tolerance range. Azaleas in general have a very fibrous fine root system and need good drainage to minimize the chance of root rot.

It blooms once a year, in May, for a two to three week period. The blooms are a spectacular pink (as seen in the photos). It is usually at peak bloom on Mothers Day. Since graduation at the College of Wooster is always the day after Mothers Day the ‘Boudoir’ Azalea has brightened many a graduation day. Over the years it has become a ‘traditional’ plant at C.O.W. and has been incorporated into the new landscape (see above photo) around Kauke Hall.

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