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

Mother's Day Azalea

Rhododendron x hybrida 'Mother's Day'

The Story

Plant Bio

Kurume azaleas are dense, low-growing evergreen shrubs derived from Japanese mountain species that produce shallow root systems and fine branching. They yield massive displays of small trumpet-shaped flowers in early to mid-spring across the branch tips.

'Mother's Day' forms a compact, low-mounding bush featuring brilliant crimson to rose-red semi-double flowers in mid-spring. Its glossy dark green summer foliage develops an attractive bronze-to-burgundy tint during cold winter weather.

Uses & Benefits:

Offers masses of red semi-double blooms followed by reddish winter foliage.

Compact mounding habit creates low foundation coverage without aggressive pruning.

Provides spring nectar for pollinators including bees, butterflies, 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

36"

Width

48"

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate to High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Toxic to humans and pets

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site providing morning sunlight and afternoon shade, protected from dry wind.
Amend soil with organic matter to ensure an acidic pH between 4.5 and 6.0 and sharp drainage.
Plant the root ball elevated slightly above soil grade to keep shallow roots aerated.
Mulch with 2 inches of organic material and keep the soil consistently moist.

Pro Tip

Set the root crown slightly elevated above surrounding soil to prevent collar rot, and prune strictly after bloom finishes to avoid removing next season's flower buds.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Maintain moist, acidic soil rich in organic matter.
Prune lightly right after flowering finishes in late spring.
Apply organic mulch to insulate shallow roots.

Don't

Do not plant in alkaline or heavy waterlogged clay soils.
Do not prune in late summer or fall when buds are setting.
Do not use high-phosphorus or heavy synthetic fertilizers.

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 PlantingWoodland Border EdgingLow Flowering ScreenPatio Container

Companion Plants

Heuchera Hosta Pieris japonica Acer palmatum Camellia japonica

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Mother's Day Azalea questions

What zones can Mother's Day Azalea grow in?

Mother's Day 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.

When does Mother's Day Azalea bloom?

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

Does Mother's Day Azalea need full sun?

Mother's Day Azalea does best in part shade.