Our plant of the week this week is the Azalea, specifically the Southern Indica species (Rhododendron indicum). They’re blooming right now all over town and Louisiana, plus they’ve been named one of the 2025 Louisiana Super Plants by LSU Ag Center! To be included in this list, a plant species has to be able to thrive in our climate. These come in a range of colors from white, to pink-purple and yellow, so there are plenty of options to choose from!
These azaleas flower best in full sun, but can handle part sun or part shade. They prefer acidic soil, and well-draining soil. The best time to fertilize them is in late winter or early spring, and the best time to plant is in the cool weather of the fall, but you can also plant them right now! Just make sure they have time to establish before the heat of summer hits.
I wanted to try a digital speed paint for this week, and had a great time doing it, so let us know what you think!