Huge Iconic Purple Blooms Bloom Prolifically in Early Spring
If you are looking to really ‘wow’ with your landscape, look no further. The Formosa Azalea Shrub will have neighbors and guests alike in awe with its luxurious blooms! Our favorite azalea variety.
The Azalea Formosa features rich, lavender-pink blossoms with darker accented blotches that are large and showy. This evergreen shrub will bloom early spring to midseason on tall, upright plants. Sometimes a second flower bud will appear in early fall with fragrant red flowers. The large evergreen foliage of the plant will have colored blooms covering the deep dark green color to contrast nicely.
This fast-growing azalea bush is not deciduous and will keep its deep pink blossoms until the first frost. It is a spreading type plant that spreads from seed pods and can be planted in dappled shade. Its fast growth rate makes it very versatile to grow!
FORMOSA AZALEA BUSH CARE
The red Formosa Azalea is the most widely planted flowering shrub in the south, and its care is minimal and it withstands drought, heat, and cold. This evergreen azalea prefers well-drained soil that is rich in humus and organic matter and can grow up to 8 feet tall with a 6 feet widespread. Truly remarkable!
The soil preferences of the southern indica azalea are minimal. It can tolerate a variety of soils and planting sites. The Formosa does need protection from the wind and regular required watering. Azaleas prefer being planted in a medium with a soil pH of 4.5-6. They like acidic soil! Perform a soil test if needed or use our Acidic Potting Mix!
The Formosa bush prefers full sun to partial shade and is somewhat cold hardy but cannot withstand freezing temperatures. Semi drought tolerant once established. Has an upright growth habit and is a great choice for foundation planting.
Where to Plant Formosa Azaleas
Grow across the United States in USDA plant hardiness zones 7-10.
It is recommended that you apply a thick layer (roughly 3 inches) of mulch around the azalea shrub to help control weed growth. Use a regular watering schedule throughout the first growing season to help establish a root system. You can use mulch, organic materials, or pine needles to mulch the shallow-rooted plant.
Loosen the roots when you plant the azaleas to encourage a quick growth rate. Keep soil moist and water the planted azalea thoroughly. These acid-loving plants will benefit from an annual application of slow-release fertilizer at the top of the root ball.
Prune azaleas in late spring or early summer maintain desired size and shape. Cut back diseased or dead branches to allow room for new growth. Make sure you do not prune until after the flowering is finished but before new flower buds arrive. You can even prune this bush into a Formosa Tree! Trim or pinch back wilted flowers to encourage new bloom each spring.
You will love our Formosa Azalea plants for sale! They are easy to grow and so beautiful!
Check out our Azalea Grow Guide!
Ask a question

Sunlight
Partial Sun / Partial Shade
Flower Color
Pink, purple
Foliage Color
Green
Mature Width
4-6 ft
Mature Height
6-8 ft
Growing Zones 7, 8, 9, 10

- Reviews
- Questions
Plant came packaged well with nice full branches and leaves. Will have to wait until next year to see the blooms.
Perfect Plants
We are thrilled when we get reviews like this, Debra. Happy to hear your Formosa Azalea Shrub is thriving. Smell you later!
Perfect Plants is awesome!! All of my plants arrived safe and beautiful! Any time I had to contact the responses w/ quickness! Will definitely purchase again.
Perfect Plants
Thank you for your feedback, Karie. We are overjoyed everything worked out with your new Formosa Azalea Shrub.
We received our plants in only 2 days, they were expertly packaged and delivered undamaged. We planted them a day or two later. Couldn't be happier.
Perfect Plants
We are thrilled to hear how well everything went with your Formosa Azalea Shrub order, Donald. Happy planting!
Perfect Plants
We appreciate your 5-star rating regarding our Formosa Azalea Shrub, Carol. Hope you're doing well.
We live in north GA and the I always saw the Azaleas blooming around town. Found these plants and called to ask for photo. Nikki was great help and we ordered 10 for our front entrance. Plants were packaged well just as Nikki said they would be. Overall good shopping experience.
Perfect Plants
Hi Jerry! Thank you for your kind words. We are overjoyed to hear how well everything with Nikki regarding your Formosa Azalea Shrub order. We truly appreciate your business. Take care!