The 'Lights' series of azaleas brings the colors of the tropics to Minnesota's early spring landscape. The plants are world-renowned for varied colors and incredible flower bud hardiness—an achievement that initially took two decades. The first crosses were made in 1957; 'Northern Lights'—with various shades of fragrant pink flowers on a 4- to 6-foot bush—was the first introduction, in 1978. Since then, 12 new 'Lights' have been released.

Although nearly commonplace in zone 4 landscapes today, the range of colors and flower forms in the 'Lights' azaleas were unknown even as recently as the mid-'80s when some of the richer yellow, orange, and multihued cultivars began to find their way into the landscape.

University azalea breeders continue to improve foliage quality and powdery mildew resistance. Researchers are screening 41 deciduous azalea varieties in replicated field plots in Minnesota and Ohio to identify mildew tolerant or resistant cultivars for use in future breeding. Most of the varieties in the field are also screened in growth chamber experiments to determine whether the same resistance/susceptibility reactions occur. If so, the powdery mildew screening can occur more quickly—on a smaller scale, in the off-season, and with less expense.

Breeders now also select for attractive fall foliage color, flower fragrance, and significantly extended bloom periods—cultivars that flower later into June and possibly even July.

U of M Azalea (Rhododendron) Varieties

Image	Cultivar	Year	Color	Features	Plant Size
N/A	Apricot Surprise	1987	Light orange	Fragrant flowers and late flowering	3–4'
	Candy Lights™	2001	Light pink	Pale yellow streaks, very fragrant	5-6'
	Electric Lights Double Pink	2015	Light pink	Double flowering, true pink, buds hardy to -30°F, blooms for 7 weeks	6'
	Electric Lights Red	2015	Fiery red	Blooms early. Compact, with shiny foliage, buds hardy to -30°F	4'
	Golden Lights	1986	Golden	Fragrant. Greater mildew resistance	4-6'
	Lemon Lights	1996	Lemon yellow	Narrower, upright plant	4-5'
	Lilac Lights™	2001	Pinkish purple	Darker speckles on upper lobes	3.5-5'
	Mandarin Lights	1992	Orange	Extremely hardy	5-6.5'
	Northern Hi-Lights	1994	Creamy white	Bright yellow upper petal	5-6'
	Northern Lights	1978	Pink	Fragrant flowers, various shades of pink	4-7'
	Orchid Lights	1986	Orchid	Earliest flowering of the 'Lights.' Extremely hardy, compact plant	2-3'
	Rosy Lights	1984	Deep rosy pink	Abundant blossoms, buds hardy to -45° F	4-5'
	Spicy Lights	1987	Salmon pink	Large flowers. Early flowering	5-6.5'
	Tri Lights™	2000	Soft pink	Deep rose buds. Yellow upper petal highlight	5'
	White Lights	1984	White	Abundant blossoms, with slight yellow highlight	5-6'