shrub RHS Award

George L. Taber Azalea

Rhododendron 'George Lindley Taber'

The Story

Plant Bio

Rhododendrons are a large genus of woody plants, including azaleas, known for their spectacular spring flower displays and often evergreen foliage. They require acidic, well-drained, humus-rich soil and protection from harsh afternoon sun.

'George L. Taber' is a vigorous Southern Indica hybrid azalea celebrated for its very large, single, fragrant flowers of light purplish-pink with a prominent reddish-purple blotch. It is known for its heat tolerance and reliable performance in southern climates.

Uses & Benefits:

This azalea provides a massive, breathtaking floral display in mid-spring with its huge, orchid-like flowers. Its large size and vigorous growth make it an excellent background plant or specimen for creating a significant impact in the landscape.

It is well-suited for creating large, informal screens or hedges in woodland and traditional garden settings. Its tolerance for the heat and humidity of the southern U.S. makes it a reliable landscape staple in those regions.

The large, open-faced flowers are a valuable nectar source for early-season pollinators, including bees, and are also visited by hummingbirds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

96 inches

Width

96 inches

Light

Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Prefers high humidity

Lifespan

Long-lived shrub

Native To

Hybrid

Toxicity

All parts are highly toxic

Bloom period

Mid-spring – Late spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with dappled sunlight or morning sun and afternoon shade.
Ensure soil is acidic, rich in organic matter, and well-drained.
Dig a wide, shallow hole, about twice the width of the root ball.
Amend the backfill with compost or peat moss.
Set the plant high, with the top of the root ball above grade.
Water thoroughly and apply a layer of acidic mulch.

Pro Tip

Plant high: the top of the root ball should be 1-2 inches above the surrounding soil level to ensure sharp drainage.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Maintain a consistent moisture level; do not let the shallow roots dry out.
Use acidic mulch like pine needles or oak leaves.
Fertilize only after blooming has finished.
Provide protection from harsh winter winds and afternoon sun.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy clay or alkaline soil.
Avoid cultivating around the base, as roots are very shallow.
Never let the plant dry out completely, especially before a freeze.
Do not prune after early summer, or you will sacrifice next year's flowers.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Stunning woodland garden specimenClassic foundation planting for north or east exposuresBeautiful informal flowering hedge

Companion Plants

Kalmia latifolia Pieris japonica Hosta Dryopteris erythrosora Hydrangea macrophylla

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

George L. Taber Azalea questions

What zones can George L. Taber Azalea grow in?

George L. Taber Azalea is hardy in USDA Zones 7–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is George L. Taber Azalea deer resistant?

Yes — George L. Taber Azalea is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does George L. Taber Azalea bloom?

George L. Taber Azalea typically blooms in mid-spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does George L. Taber Azalea need full sun?

George L. Taber Azalea does best in part shade.