The Mandarin Lights Deciduous Azalea (Azalea x 'Mandarin Lights') is a hardy Northern Lights Hybrid featuring vibrant mandarin orange blooms that appear in spring before the foliage emerges. Perfect for shrub borders, mass plantings, or as an accent plant, this deciduous azalea thrives in full sun to partial shade and adds striking color to any garden. ? Vivid Orange Blooms: Bright mandarin orange flowers bloom in spring before foliage emerges. ? Compact Growth: Small mounding form makes it perfect for borders, mass plantings, or as a focal point. ?? Light Tolerance: Thrives in full sun to partial shade, offering flexibility for garden placement. ?? Cold Hardy: Exceptionally hardy Northern Lights Hybrid, suitable for USDA zones 3-7. ? Elegant Foliage: Lustrous green leaves provide a beautiful backdrop for the vibrant blooms. ? Striking Seasonal Color: One of the most vivid flowering shrubs available for cooler climates. Common Name: Mandarin Lights Deciduous Azalea Scientific Name: Azalea x 'Mandarin Lights' Plant Size: Starter plant in 7L pot (approx. 4-6 inches tall) Bloom Time: Spring Bloom Color: Bright mandarin orange Mature Height: 4-5 feet Mature Width: 3-4 feet Exposure: Full sun to partial shade Hardiness Zones: 3-7 Growth Rate: Moderate Soil Requirements: Acidic, well-drained soil Water Needs: Moderate; keep soil evenly moist during the growing season Special Features: Striking bloom color, hardy for cold climates, low maintenance Mandarin Lights azalea starter plant, bright orange flowering shrub, Northern Lights azalea hybrid, deciduous azalea for cold climates, spring-blooming azalea plant, orange azalea live plant, hardy azalea for zone 3, low-maintenance flowering shrubs, acid-loving garden plants, azalea for borders and mass plantings, vibrant orange spring blooms, cold-hardy azalea starter, orange flowering azalea bush, compact deciduous azalea Care Instructions for Buyers Planting: Choose a location with full sun to partial shade and acidic, well-drained soil. Amend soil with organic matter for best results. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy, especially during the growing season. Mulch around the base to retain moisture. Fertilization: Apply an azalea-specific fertilizer in early spring and after flowering to promote healthy growth. Avoid over-fertilizing. Pruning: Prune lightly after blooming to shape the plant and encourage new growth. Avoid cutting into old wood. Spacing: Space plants 3-4 feet apart for optimal airflow and growth. Temperature: Exceptionally cold-hardy; can withstand harsh winters in USDA zones 3-7. Protect young plants from late frosts.