Fashion Azaleas: Your Complete Care Guide For Growing This Beautiful Bloomer

‘Fashion’ azalea is a cultivar belonging to the group of hybrids known as Glenn Dale azaleas. They are named for Glenn Dale, Maryland, where they were developed as part of a USDA cultivation program designed to create more cold hardy varieties.

‘Fashion’ azalea size is medium compared to other cultivars. The flowers are abundant and a distinctive, deep salmon color. ‘Fashion’ azalea bloom time is also notable. It is considered a midseason bloomer, flowering in late spring and into summer for a period longer than other types of azaleas plants that bloom in early spring.

Fashion Azalea Care

A key characteristic of the Glenn Dale azaleas is that they are relatively easy to care for and tolerate a wider range of conditions than other types.

Light

‘Fashion’ azaleas grow best in partial shade or in wooded areas with dappled sunlight. They will tolerate more sun than this but may get burned in too much direct sunlight.

Water

Azalea water requirements dictate that they remain moist but never soggy. Keep the soil consistently moist throughout the growing season, watering as needed if it doesn’t rain.

Temperature & Humidity

Glenn Dale azaleas are more winter hardy than many other azaleas. They will tolerate colder winters. Azaleas like medium moisture but also do best with good airflow to avoid fungal diseases.

Soil

Soil for your azalea should drain very well while also remaining moist. It should also be at least slightly acidic. Amend the soil before planting if it is alkaline or neutral.

Fertilizer

Azaleas generally don’t need a lot of fertilizing. Add compost to the soil when planting, and if needed, use a balanced azalea fertilizer once a year in late winter or early spring.

Problems, Pests & Diseases

‘Fashion’ azalea shrubs are susceptible to the same azalea pests and common azalea diseases as other varieties. Root rot can be a particular problem if the soil doesn’t drain well or if you overwater it. Provide plenty of air flow between shrubs and branches of individual shrubs to lower the risk of other fungal diseases, like leaf spot.

Some of the pests you might see on azaleas include aphids, borers, scale, thrips, leafhoppers, mites, mealybugs, and whiteflies. Keep a close eye on your shrubs to catch and manage any issues early. With the right growing conditions, a healthy azalea shouldn’t suffer too much from these pests or diseases.

Pruning

Azaleas have a nice, natural growth habit, so heavy pruning isn’t necessary. Do light pruning of azaleas in summer after blooming. Trim back gently to encourage bushier growth and to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. You can deadhead azaleas to keep them looking tidy, but take care not to remove new buds underneath the sent blooms.

Propagation

Azalea propagation isn’t easy, but if you really love your ‘Fashion’ cultivar, try propagating stem cuttings. Take cuttings from fresh spring growth and use rooting hormone to speed the otherwise slow process of developing new roots.

Repotting

Because of its size, ‘Fashion’ azalea is not typically grown in containers. If you do want to grow it this way, choose a large pot and repot it as it grows or every two to three years.

More Garden Inspiration

• Still looking for the perfect azalea for your garden? Explore different sizes of azaleas for a variety that will suit your needs.
• Pruning azaleas is an important part of their care. The Pruning & Trimming Set in the Gardening Know How Shop can help you trim with ease.
• Looking for a different type of flowering shrub? Check out our picks for the 10 best flowering bushes for big, showy blooms!
• Sign up for the free Gardening Know How Newsletter for more expert azalea advice and gardening inspiration delivered right to your inbox.

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