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Growth Rate
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– Moderate
– Matures at 2–3 feet tall and 3–4 feet wide
– Forms a low, mounding shape ideal for foundation and border planting |
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Colorful leaves
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Flowering
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Yes |
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Bloom Color
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Disease resistant
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No |
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Cold Tolerant
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Yes |
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Heat Tolerant
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No |
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Drought Tolerant
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No |
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Deer Resistant
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No |
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Edible
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No |
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Wildlife Attraction
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– Attracts bees and butterflies when in bloom
– Generally deer-resistant, though not entirely immune in high-pressure areas |
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Self-pollinating
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Seasonality
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– Spring: Major bloom period (mid to late spring)
– Summer: Evergreen foliage remains rich and glossy
– Fall/Winter: Maintains structure; leaves may deepen in tone or bronze slightly |
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Ideal For
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– Foundation plantings – low flowering hedges – woodland gardens – borders – Japanese and Asian-style gardens – mass plantings – shaded containers |
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Leaf Description
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– Evergreen, small, glossy, dark green leaves
– Forms a dense, compact canopy
– Leaves may turn slightly bronze in cold winter climates |
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Flower Description
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– Bright crimson-red blooms, small and profuse
– Flowers are single, open, and form in dense clusters
– Very floriferous, creating a bold mass of color in mid to late spring
– One of the most striking evergreen azaleas for intense red color |
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Planting Instructions
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– Site selection: Best planted in a location with partial shade (morning sun and afternoon shade ideal)
– Soil requirements: Requires acidic (pH 4.5–6.0), well-draining, organically rich soil
– Planting depth: Keep the root ball slightly above ground level and backfill with amended soil
– Spacing: Space plants 2–3 feet apart to allow mature spread
– Mulch: Apply 2–3 inches of mulch to conserve moisture and protect roots; avoid piling against the stem
– Planting season: Spring or early fall is optimal for root establishment |
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Pruning & Maintenance
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– When: Immediately after flowering in spring
– How: Lightly prune to shape or remove dead/damaged wood
– Avoid cutting late in the season, which removes next year’s buds |
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Water Needs
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– Requires consistent moisture, especially during establishment and blooming
– Soil should be moist but not soggy
– Water deeply at the root zone; avoid wetting foliage
– Mulch helps retain soil moisture and temperature |
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Light Needs
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– Prefers partial shade
– Can tolerate full sun in cooler climates, but protection from hot afternoon sun in warmer zones improves performance
– Avoid deep shade which can reduce blooming |
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Harvesting
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– Not harvested; used exclusively as an ornamental shrub
– No culinary or medicinal applications |
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Fertilizing
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– Use a slow-release, acid-loving plant fertilizer (formulated for azaleas) in early spring
– A light second feeding can be applied after bloom
– Avoid heavy fertilization or late-season feeding |
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Pollination
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– Self-pollinating but supports bee and insect pollinators
– Rarely forms seed pods; valued for floral display over reproduction |
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Companion Plants
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– Pieris japonica – shares soil and light preferences, blooms slightly earlier
– Ferns – soft, feathery contrast in shaded borders
– Heuchera, Brunnera – adds foliage texture and color
– Hosta – perfect for shaded settings with broad leaf contrast
– Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) – for height, filtered light, and a layered look
– Camellia or Hydrangea macrophylla – for staggered blooming interest |
