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

George Tabor Azalea

Rhododendron x hybrida 'George Tabor'

The Story

Plant Bio

Rhododendron is a large genus of evergreen and deciduous woody shrubs prized for showy spring bloom displays and strict acid-soil requirements. Most species produce shallow, fibrous root systems that depend on organic, perfectly drained soil and protection from hot afternoon sun.

'George Tabor' is a classic Southern Indica hybrid that forms a dense, upright evergreen shrub six to twelve feet high and wide. In mid-spring, it produces large orchid-pink flowers stamped with a magenta throat and occasional white leaf margins.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces an overwhelming display of soft orchid-pink flowers that cover the foliage canopy in spring.

Functions as a dense, long-lived evergreen screen or structural backdrop in shade borders.

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

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

144"

Width

120"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

North America (Garden origin)

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Spring – Late spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site with well-draining, humus-rich acidic soil (pH 4.5 to 6.0) that receives filtered morning sun and afternoon shade.
Dig a shallow hole twice as wide as the root ball and plant so the upper root ball surface sits one inch above the ambient soil level.
Apply a two-to-three-inch layer of pine bark mulch around the base, keeping it two inches clear of the main trunk.
Water thoroughly at planting and supply supplemental irrigation during hot or dry periods to maintain moderate soil moisture.

Pro Tip

Set the root crown slightly above the surrounding soil grade to preserve aeration around the shallow roots, and prune strictly within two weeks after spring flowering ends.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Test soil pH to ensure acidic conditions before planting.
Prune immediately after spring bloom finishes before new flower buds set.
Apply acid-formulating slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth starts.

Don't

Do not plant in poorly drained or heavy alkaline clay soils.
Do not prune in fall or winter, which removes next season's developed flower buds.
Do not bury the shallow stem base deeper than its original nursery depth.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Foundation plantingInformal hedge or screeningWoodland garden understoryMixed shrub border

Companion Plants

Camellia japonica Pieris japonica Acer palmatum Heuchera americana

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

George Tabor Azalea questions

What zones can George Tabor Azalea grow in?

George Tabor Azalea is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is George Tabor Azalea deer resistant?

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

When does George Tabor Azalea bloom?

George Tabor Azalea typically blooms in 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 Tabor Azalea need full sun?

George Tabor Azalea does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.