Alaska Azalea

Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Provide well drained soil, rich in organic matter. Feed with an acid fertilizer after bloom. Keep roots cool with a thick layer of mulch. Pruning time: spring after flowering.

An exceptional white azalea that's a stand out against red brick or dark green foliage plants. Add to front yard foundation planting for elegant color and neutral tones. Insert into shaded edges of large canopy shade trees or against the trunks of tree groves. A natural in Asian inspired gardens, particularly for the Japanese tea style.

Group Alaska with more vivid azaleas such as Red Ruffles Azalea, (Azalea 'Red Ruffles') and Gumpo Pink Azalea, (Azalea 'Gumpo Pink'). Pair with other acid loves such as Springs Promise Ice Angels Camellia, (Camellia japonica 'Springs Promise') and Dwarf Purple Rhododendron, (Rhododendron impeditum).

The Belgian Indica hybrids were developed in Ghent, Belgium by breeders seeking a larger range of greenhouse stock for European florists. They used the evergreen azaleas, primarily R. indica and R. simsii, which had been bred for centuries in Japan. Early imports of the Belgian hybrids found favor in the deep south as outdoor plants. This is among the R. x rutherfordiana hybrids, which resulted from crosses of Japanese Kurume azaleas with the Belgian strains. This was the first white hybrid.

Though they are widely known as azaleas, this is actually a specialized group of plants under the genus Rhododendron.