Zone 7 Shade Bush - Hardy Azalea
Hardy Azaleas
If you are looking for a flowering shrub or bush for your zone 7 partial shade area, then consider the Hardy Azalea. The Hardy Azalea comes in a variety of colors, is relatively easy to grow, blooms profusely from spring to early summer and has a spread and height of about 4-6 feet. This shrub works great in Zone 4-9 areas that receive morning sun provided that it is well drained and that the soil is acidic or has been acidified with amendments.
Chlorosis
Many gardeners are stumped by the acidic requirements so they avoid this great shrub. This can be easily remedied by amending the planting hole with generous amounts of peat moss and/or oak leaves if availble. There are also numerous amendments readily available that will acidify the soil. Many of these products are specifically marketed for Azaleas and Rhododendron and are readily available at your local Home Depot/Lowes/nursery. If using plenty of peat moss, you should also add something to help draining such as coarse sand, pea gravel or perlite. If you have clay type soil, do not simply add sand without some other organic amendment or you will end up with concrete. If your soil is not acidic enough the plant will remind you by displaying yellowing of the leaves (condition known as chlorosis as shown in the picture to the right). You can amend the soil with acidic amendments if you notice this condition. Once established, the plant is relatively maintenance free and rather easy growing. If you are looking for a colorful shade bush the Hardy Azalea is a great choice. It needs a little work to get going but you will be rewarded with great color. Hardy Azaleas are available online or local home centers.