Azalea ‘My Mary’
Richly Fragrant, Yellow Blooms in April-May
The late George Beasley, well known Azalea breeder, crossed three different native azaleas, resulting in a stunning azalea with extraordinary fragrance, beauty and charm. Beasley could think of no other name as fitting for the new azalea as the name of his late wife - Mary. To honor her, he named this azalea ‘My Mary.’
‘My Mary’ is a deciduous hybrid azalea that will be covered in large ball-shaped trusses of powerfully fragrant soft, yellow blossoms in mid to late-spring. The flowers absolutely glow and are enhanced by long protruding stamens. They are truly spectacular!
The fragrance is a combination of sweetness and spice, providing a luscious fragrance after Viburnum carlesii has passed. ‘My Mary’ will reach about eight feet tall and wide with a mounding shape. It has thick, leathery elliptical-shaped foliage that is insect proof and highly mildew resistant. Plant at the edge of a woodland, near a patio or any place nearby so that its fragrance can be enjoyed as you pass. Ideal planted in a cluster of three, as an accent, in a foundation planting or at the corner of a house. Very easy to grow.
Planting and Care
For best results, plant in spring or fall.
Grows best in a compost amended, well-drained soil.
Prefers a bright spot with partial shade in the afternoon. More sun tolerant than evergreen azaleas.
Keep well-watered until established.
Fertilize with Cottonseed Meal and Kelp Meal in early spring and late autumn.
Hardy in Zones 6-9
Click here to view ‘My Mary’ on the Carroll Gardens website.
Written by Alan Summers our expert of the day.
Tags: Azalea, Carroll Gardens, Compost, Cottonseed Meal, Early Spring, Foliage, Foundation Planting, Fragrance, Insect Proof, Kelp Meal, Late Autumn, Late Spring, Mildew, Native Azaleas, Partial Shade, Stamens, Trusses, Wife Mary, Yellow Blooms, Yellow Blossoms