John Rickard
Family
Ericaceae
Botanical Name
Rhododendron 'Alaska'( Rutherford Group, Rutherford Hybrid)
Plant Common Name
Alaska Hybrid Azalea, Hybrid Azalea, Rutherford Hybrid Azalea
General Description
One of the Rutherford Hybrid azaleas, this evergreen shrub bears showy clusters of ruffled white flowers from early to mid-spring. It may also bloom in fall and winter in frost-free climates. The single or double, funnel-shaped blooms have a yellow-green blotch on their upper lobes. The compact mounded plants have elliptic dark green leaves.
Tracing their ancestry to the Kurume Hybrids as well as to several East Asian species including Rhododendron simsii, R. indicum, and R. 'Mucronatum', the Rutherford Hybrids were developed for greenhouse forcing, but they also perform well in the landscape in areas where winters are moderate.
Rutherford Hybrid azaleas prefer sites with partial shade and highly organic acid soil that is evenly moist but well-drained. They like warm summers and cool winters, and tolerate more sun and heat than do most other azaleas. Plant them shallowly and mulch well to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. The flower buds develop in summer for the following spring’s display, so prune shortly after flowering, if necessary. Ideally, place them where they have room to grow to full size. Use them massed or singly in woodland gardens, borders, foundation plantings, and containers.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
10 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
8 - 10
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Sunset Zone
14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Broadleaf Evergreen
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
3'-5' / 0.9m - 1.5m
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Width
4'-6' / 1.2m - 1.8m
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Bloom Time
Early Spring, Spring
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Native To
Hybrid Origin
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White
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Flower Color Modifier
Bicolor
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green, Dark Green
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Bark Color
Brown, Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single, Double
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Smooth
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Usage
Container, Feature Plant, Foundation, Hedges, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No
