Rhododendron 'Lights Azalea Hybrid Series'
Common name: 
Lights Azalea Hybrids Series
Pronunciation: 
rho-do-DEN-dron
Family: 
Ericaceae
Genus: 
Rhododendron (defines evaluations)
Type: 
Broadleaf
Native to (or naturalized in) Oregon: 
No
  • A series of deciduous azalea hybrids developed at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum; they can withstand very cold temperatures (- 35°F and - 45°F) without significant damage.
  • The series includes:
    • ‘Apricot Surprise’  -  matures at about 5-6 ft in height and spread, light orange flowers, hardy to USDA Zone 4.  Released 1984.
    •  Candy Lights™  -  matures at about 5-6 ft in height and spread, light pink with pale yellow flowers streaks, very fragrant, hardy to USDA Zone 4.  Released 2005.
    • ‘Lemon Lights’  -  to 4.5 × 4 ft, clear medium yellow flowers, hardy to USDA Zone 4.  Released 1996.
    •  Lilac Lights™  -  matures at about 4 ft in height and spread, flowers are pinkish purple with darker speckles on upper lobes, hardy to USDA Zone 4.  Released 2005.
    • ‘Mandarin Lights’  -  matures at about 6-7 ft in height and spread, reddish orange and slightly fragrant flowers, hardy to USDA Zone 4.  Released 1996.
    • ‘Northern Hi-Lights’  -  to 4 × 4-5 ft, creamy white flowers with a bright yellow upper petal, glossy leaves, hardy to USDA Zone 4.  Released 1994.
    • ‘Northern Lights’  -  the first in the series, matures at 8 × 8 ft, it is a seed strain and the flowers are variable with shades of pink, fragrant, hardy to USDA Zone 3.  Released 1978.
    • ‘Orchid Lights’  -  matures at 3 × 4 ft, light pink or orchid with darker shading, hardy to USDA Zone 3.  Released 1986.
    • ‘Pink Lights’  -  matures at 8 × 8 ft, light pink and fragrant, hardy to USDA Zone 3, apparently it is difficult to propagate and, therefore, not as available as others in the series.  Released 1984.
    • ‘Rosy Lights’  -  matures at 5 × 5-6 ft, dark rosy pink flowers, hardy to USDA Zone 3.  Released 1984.
    • ‘Spicy Lights’  -  matures at 6 × 8 ft, fragrant, salmon colored flowers, hardy to USDA Zone 3b, 4.  Released 1987.
    • Tri Lights™  -  matures at 5 × 5 ft, deep rose flower buds which open to pink & white blossoms with a yellow upper petal, hardy to USDA Zone 3b, 4.  Released 2003.
    • ‘White Lights’  -  matures at 5 × 5 ft, glistening white flowers with a yellow blotch, compact plant and reliable heavy blooming, hardy to USDA Zone 3b, 4.  Released 1984.
Click image to enlarge