This post, “Rosebud Azaleas” was written for my WordPress blog called Always Growing by Jan in Covington, Louisiana
When the flowers on the azalea Rosebud open, they really do look like rosebuds. The flowers are doubles, almost two inches across. I bought my first one about 5 years ago. It has rosy pink blooms and has grown to about three and a half feet tall. When it does flower, it is covered with masses of blooms. It blossoms a little after all the other azaleas do. So far this year the buds are still closed tight. I have this plant in the front of the border because it has flowers that need to be seen close up to be appreciated. Everyone who see it is enthralled with the flowers, and I have even cut some flowers and put them in small vases for the house. It looks like miniature roses arrangements.
Last year I found another one at a local garden show. This one was called Amelia Rose. It is a medium purple. It is still a small plant (maybe 2 feet tall), but it is already blooming. This one, too, I have placed in the front so that it can be seen easily.
Both of these azaleas need the same growing conditions of all azaleas. Give them well-drained, acidic soil, with some afternoon shade, and they thrive. These two rosebud azaleas have become some of my favorite plants.
Always Growing 
layanee said,
February 20, 2008 at 8:56 pm
Jan: What a lovely azalea. I doubt if I can grow that one here in RI but at least I can enjoy yours! Thanks for visiting my garden. I will be back to visit you.
This is truly a lovely azalea. You may be able to grow it in a container where you are. It would make a very nice focal point and doesn’t get too big. Thanks for stopping by my blog.
lisa said,
May 22, 2009 at 3:57 pm
I live in CT and picked up a Rosebud Azalea at a local Agway. This one says it is a hardy northern grown with cold hardiness to -20F. It is a beautiful plant and the flowers do look like rose buds.
Jan said,
May 22, 2009 at 4:04 pm
Lisa, I think you will be very happy with your Rosebud Azalea. I love mine, and it always gets a great deal of attention from passersby.
Robin said,
February 21, 2008 at 4:53 pm
It does look like a rose. I love azaleas!
Yes, Robin, they really do look just like little roses.
jim kiefer said,
April 24, 2009 at 12:54 pm
will rosebud azaeals grow in florida zone 10
Jan said,
April 24, 2009 at 3:37 pm
They should, Jim. Just remember they should have acidic soil.
Victoria said,
August 27, 2010 at 2:20 pm
Jim?
Is this YOU Jim?
IF you are Santa Clara CA Jim, email Victoria@Victorialand.Net
Jan said,
August 27, 2010 at 6:52 pm
Victoria, I hope you find your friend.
Madeline A. Peyton said,
March 18, 2011 at 12:59 pm
I have a pale pink Rosebud Azalea. It blooms year round and is beautiful.
This was sent to me as a gift. Where can I purchase this plant in the New Orleans, Metairie, or Kenner, Lousiiana area?
I definitely want to have more – they are just exquisite.
Jan said,
March 18, 2011 at 3:35 pm
I am not sure where you can purchase these. I bought mine from Norris Nursery in Folsom a few years ago. You might call around and see if a Nursery in N.O. has them or will order some for you. The New Orleans Garden Show is coming up in April, and there might be a vendor there with them. The vendors at the show often have the unusual.