1 Astronaut Azalea Rhododendron Starter Plant | Bi-Color Striped Bloom Deciduous Flowering Shrub

The Astronaut Azalea is a distinctive rhododendron prized for its striking bi-color blooms, where white petals are boldly striped with pink or red. This deciduous flowering shrub brings a unique, eye-catching display to spring gardens and is an excellent choice for borders, foundation plantings, and woodland gardens. Its compact, upright habit makes it suitable for smaller landscapes as well as mixed shrub beds.

As a deciduous azalea, it offers seasonal interest beyond its bloom period, with fresh green foliage in summer and warm tones in autumn before leaf drop. This starter plant is ready to establish in a suitable garden site or container, giving gardeners a head start on growing this uncommon variety.

Plant Features

• Bi-color flowers with white petals and contrasting pink or red stripes
• Deciduous shrub that provides spring bloom and autumn foliage color
• Compact, upright growth habit suited to borders and woodland plantings
• Attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies
• Starter plant size makes it easy to establish in the landscape

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Rhododendron (Astronaut Azalea)
• Plant Type: Deciduous flowering shrub
• Sunlight: Partial shade to filtered sun
• Soil: Moist, well-drained, acidic soil rich in organic matter
• Water Requirements: Moderate; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
• Growth Habit: Compact, upright
• Bloom Season: Spring
• Bloom Color: White with pink or red stripes

Planting & Care

Plant your Astronaut Azalea starter in a location with partial shade and protection from harsh afternoon sun. Amend the soil with organic matter such as compost or peat moss to improve drainage and acidity. Dig a hole slightly wider than the root ball, set the plant at the same depth it was growing in its container, and backfill gently. Water thoroughly after planting and maintain consistent moisture during the first growing season to help roots establish.

Apply a layer of mulch around the base to conserve moisture and keep roots cool, but keep mulch away from the stem. Prune lightly after flowering if needed to shape the shrub. Avoid heavy pruning, as this can reduce next year's blooms. Feed with an acid-loving plant fertilizer in early spring according to package directions.

What's Included

One Astronaut Azalea Rhododendron starter plant.