DOWNERS GROVE, IL — National Garden Bureau (NGB), the century-old nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring home gardeners, has announced the azalea as the featured flowering shrub for its 2026 “Year of the” program.

Once known primarily as shade-loving spring icons, today’s azaleas have been transformed by centuries of cultivation and cutting-edge hybridization into incredibly hardy, sun-tolerant, and reblooming garden essentials.

“Azaleas have earned their title as the ‘crown jewel of the landscape,’ but the varieties available today would be unimaginable to early enthusiasts,” says Diane Blazek, executive director of NGB. “We are now seeing hybrids that bloom up to three times a year and thrive in full sun, making them more versatile than ever for the modern home gardener.”

Azaleas can grow in Park County, but it is challenging and requires careful species selection, specific soil amendments, and strategic site selection to manage the cold climate. You must choose cold-hardy, deciduous azalea varieties (such as some from the Northern Lights series) that can survive temperatures down to negative 20 degrees F or lower, rather than evergreen southern types.

The 2026 Year of the Azalea highlights:

• The reblooming revolution: The program highlights breakthroughs like the Encore Azalea collection — the world’s bestselling rebloomers — delivering a profusion of flowers in spring, summer, and fall.

• Sun and heat resilience: While traditional azaleas require deep shade, new series like Sunbow (native deciduous) and Encore thrive in four to six hours of direct sun.

• Extreme cold hardiness: Featured varieties like Mandarin Lights and Lemon Lights bring vibrant color to landscapes as cold as USDA Zone 3.

• Pollinator support: Azaleas are essential for biodiversity; early bloomers provide a vital first food source for bees, while bright red and orange varieties attract hummingbirds and butterflies.

Expert tips for azalea success

To help home gardeners achieve professional results, National Garden Bureau offers these essential growing tips:

• Check the pH: Azaleas are acid-loving plants. Ensure your soil pH is between 4.5 and 6.0 for vibrant growth and maximum blooms.

• Plant "high:" Azaleas have shallow root systems and need excellent drainage. Set the plant slightly above the soil line when planting to prevent root rot.

• The pruning window: For traditional varieties, prune immediately after spring flowers fade. Pruning too late in the year can accidentally remove next year’s buds.

• Mulch is key: A 2” - 3” layer of pine bark or pine needles insulates roots from temperature extremes and helps retain vital moisture.

• Water before a freeze: For evergreen varieties, a deep watering before a hard freeze helps the plant stay hydrated, preventing leaf browning.