Astronaut Azalea
Rhododendron ‘Astronaut’
Other Names: Astronaut Holly Hills Variegated Azalea, Astronaut Satsuki Hybrid Azalea
Plant Details
USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 6b-9b (6a?) Find Your Zone
Plant Type: Evergreen Flowering Shrub
Height at Maturity: 2-3′
Width at Maturity: 3-4′
Spacing: 2.5-3′ for solid hedges; 7’+ for space between plants
Flower Color: Variations of White, Coral, Pink and Red
Flower Size: HUGE! 4-5″
Flowering Period: Late Spring to Early Summer; some rebloom possible in fall
Flower Type: Single
Fragrant Flowers: No
Foliage Color: Medium Green, Dark Green
Fragrant Foliage: No
Berries: No
Berry Color: NA
Sun Needs: Morning Sun with Dappled or Afternoon Shade, All Day Filtered Sun,
Water Needs: Average
Soil Type: Clay (Amend heavy clay to ensure good drainage), Loam, Sandy, Silt
Soil Moisture / Drainage: Moist But Well Drained
Soil pH: 5.5 – 6.5
Maintenance / Care: Low
Attracts: Visual Attention
Resistances: Heat, Humidity, Sun, Insect
Description
There’s no other like ‘Astronaut’, a Holly Springs Hybrid Satsuki Azalea with variations in flower color patterns that must be from outer space! Ok, so they’re not from outer space, but they’re also not from Japan, where most Satsuki hybrids originate from. Astronaut was developed in Virginia by hybridizer Colonel Pete Vines, and we think it’s one of his best. As with his other creations, Astronaut is cold hardy and a profuse bloomer with very large flowers up to 5 inches across, maybe the largest of any azalea? The flowers come in many variations all on the same plant. Some might be solid white or coral color, while others might be white with coral, pink and/or red streaks, blotches or speckles on the petals. At 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide when grown up, Astronaut is excellent as an accent in smaller garden spaces or in groupings or as a low hedge in larger landscape borders. Sure to be a conversation piece!
Landscape & Garden Uses
Growing in a rounded mound to 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide or more, the Astronaut Azalea is ideal for use as a specimen in smaller garden spaces or containers or in groupings or as a low hedge in partially shaded landscape borders. A fine addition to Asian-theme gardens, Azalea gardens, cottage gardens, and partially shaded woodland gardens.
Spacing: 2.5 to 3 feet apart for solid hedges; 7 feet or more apart for space between plants
How To Measure Total Square Feet Of A Planting Area
How Many Plants Needed To Cover A Planting Area?
Growing Preferences
Astronaut Azalea is easy to grow in a moist but well-drained and acidic soil (5.5 to 6.5 pH) that is rich in organic matter and part sun. We suggest at least 5 hours of direct sun per day or all-day lightly filtered sun. Morning sun with afternoon shade or filtered sun is ideal. Evening sun is fine too. As with other azaleas, a constantly soggy or wet soil can be problematic, causing the roots to rot. So plant in a well drained soil.
Helpful Articles
Click on a link below to find helpful advice from our experts on how to plant and care for Azaleas.
Planting Evergreen Azaleas In The Ground & In Pots
Fertilizing & Watering Evergreen Azaleas
Pruning Evergreen Azaleas
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