The "Lights" series of azaleas continues to bring new tropical color 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," plus two for 2005, have been released.

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University azalea breeders are working toward improvements in foliage quality and resistance to powdery mildew. They are also selecting for attractive fall foliage color, flower fragrance, and significantly extended bloom periods. Watch for new colors of red and maroon flowers and a new series of more compact plants and flowers. Future work will involve screening seedlings collected from 16 species of deciduous azaleas native to the Appalachian Mountains in the eastern United States.

Powdery mildew is a problem that plagues deciduous azaleas. U of M 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 efforts. Most of the varieties being screened 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.