
Girard's Crimson Azalea
Rhododendron 'Girard's Crimson'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
30 inches
Width
42 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Long-lived
Native To
Hybrid Origin
Toxicity
All parts are toxic if ingested
The Story
Plant Bio
A compact, semi-evergreen to deciduous azalea from the Girard hybrid group, known for its exceptional cold hardiness. It has a spreading habit and medium green foliage. Celebrated for its stunning, large, wavy-petaled, true crimson-red flowers that create a spectacular display in late spring. The foliage often turns a reddish-bronze in autumn and winter.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Find a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade.
- Ensure soil is acidic, rich in organic matter, and well-drained.
- Dig a wide, shallow hole and amend the backfill with compost.
- Plant with the top of the root ball slightly above the soil line.
- Water deeply after planting.
- Apply a thick layer of organic mulch like pine needles or bark.
Pro Tip
Protect from harsh afternoon sun and winter winds to prevent leaf scorch and ensure best flowering.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Mulch annually to protect shallow roots and retain moisture.
- Test soil pH and amend if necessary to maintain acidity.
- Deadhead spent flowers to improve appearance.
Don't
- Do not plant in heavy clay or alkaline soil.
- Do not allow the root ball to dry out completely.
- Avoid deep cultivation near the plant base, which can damage roots.
- Do not prune after early summer, or you will remove next year's flower buds.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Girard's Crimson Azalea questions
What zones can Girard's Crimson Azalea grow in?
Girard's Crimson Azalea is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Girard's Crimson Azalea deer resistant?
Yes — Girard's Crimson Azalea is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Girard's Crimson Azalea bloom?
Girard's Crimson Azalea typically blooms in late spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Girard's Crimson Azalea need full sun?
Girard's Crimson Azalea does best in part shade.
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