Rhododendron x hybrida 'Girard's Crimson'

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

Girard's Crimson Azalea

Rhododendron x hybrida 'Girard's Crimson'

$33.86

The Story

Plant Bio

A compact, semi-evergreen to evergreen 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.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a breathtaking, traffic-stopping display of true crimson-red flowers in late spring. The semi-evergreen foliage adds texture and often develops attractive bronze-red winter color.

Its compact, spreading habit makes it an excellent choice for foundation plantings, massing on shady slopes, or as a vibrant border in a woodland garden.

The bright, tubular flowers are a valuable nectar source for late spring pollinators, including bees and hummingbirds.

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

30"

Width

42"

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

Bloom period

Late spring

In flower about 1 month of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Nature Hills

In Stock$33.86

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

Vibrant spring accent in shade gardensLow border for woodland edgesEye-catching foundation planting

Companion Plants

Hosta Astilbe Athyrium niponicum Hydrangea macrophylla Kalmia latifolia

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?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Girard's Crimson Azalea, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

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.