Garden hybrid

This is a garden hybrid, bred from more than one wild species, so it has no single species page of its own.

95 other cultivars

shrub

Wolfpack Red Azalea

Rhododendron x hybrida 'Wolfpack Red'

The Story

Plant Bio

Rhododendron is an expansive genus of woody shrubs and trees known for their showy floral trusses and shallow, fine-rooted digestive systems that require acidic soils. These plants thrive in organic, moisture-retentive understory conditions where drainage is rapid and direct afternoon sun is softened.

'Wolfpack Red' is a compact semi-dwarf evergreen Carla hybrid azalea that smothers itself in bright, single red blooms every spring. Its glossy dark green leaves remain evergreen year-round, shifting to attractive bronze and reddish tones throughout cold winter months.

Uses & Benefits:

Offers intense bright red spring bloom displays paired with year-round evergreen foliage that turns bronze-red in winter.

Ideal compact scale for structural woodland understory borders and foundation beds without overgrowing spaces.

Provides early-season nectar for hummingbirds, butterflies, and native bees.

Garden hybrid

Bred from more than one wild species, so it has no species page of its own.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

36"

Width

48"

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate to High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

North Carolina, USA (Hybrid Origin)

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested (contains grayanotoxins)

Bloom period

Early spring – Mid spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site offering acidic soil (pH 5.0-5.5) and morning sunlight paired with afternoon shade.
Dig a shallow planting hole twice as wide as the root ball, setting the top of the root crown 1-2 inches above the native soil line.
Backfill with a mix of native soil and organic compost or peat moss, gently firming around the roots without heavy compaction.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of pine bark or needle mulch around the base, keeping it clear of direct stem contact, and soak thoroughly.

Pro Tip

Plant slightly high in elevated beds to prevent root crown rot and mulch heavily with pine needles instead of cultivating near the delicate, shallow roots.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Keep soil consistently moist, watering deeply during rainless dry spells.
Maintain a thick organic mulch layer to cool the shallow root zone and retain moisture.
Use an acid-formulating fertilizer early in the spring season.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, unamended clay or poorly drained soils.
Avoid cultivating or digging the soil close to the base of the plant.
Do not prune late in the summer or fall, as this removes next year's flower buds.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Foundation PlantingUnderstory BorderMass PlantingContainer Display

Companion Plants

Acer palmatum Heuchera Pieris japonica Camellia japonica Hosta

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Wolfpack Red Azalea questions

What zones can Wolfpack Red Azalea grow in?

Wolfpack Red Azalea is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Wolfpack Red Azalea deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Wolfpack Red Azalea, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Wolfpack Red Azalea bloom?

Wolfpack Red Azalea typically blooms in early spring through mid spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Wolfpack Red Azalea need full sun?

Wolfpack Red Azalea does best in part shade.