shrub

Azalea

Rhododendron 'Stewartsonian'

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

60 inches

Width

60 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long-lived shrub

Native To

Hybrid

Toxicity

All parts are toxic if ingested

The Story

Plant Bio

Azaleas are a sub-group of Rhododendrons prized for their spectacular spring flower displays. They are acid-loving shrubs that thrive in woodland settings with dappled sunlight and well-drained, organic soil. 'Stewartsonian' is a vigorous Gable hybrid azalea known for its profuse, hose-in-hose (double) flowers of a vibrant brownish-red. It also offers excellent winter interest as its evergreen foliage turns a rich mahogany-red.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

'Stewartsonian' provides a stunning, multi-season display. In spring, it is completely covered in vibrant red flowers that command attention. Through winter, its foliage transforms to a deep mahogany, providing rich color and texture when the garden is often bare. Its upright, spreading habit makes it an excellent background or specimen plant.

This is a tough, reliable, and vigorous azalea, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners in its hardiness range. Its dense evergreen foliage makes it suitable for creating informal screens or hedges in woodland and shade gardens.

The bright, tubular flowers are a magnet for early-season pollinators, including bees and hummingbirds. The dense branching structure offers excellent cover and potential nesting sites for songbirds.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site with dappled sunlight, like under tall pines.
Amend the soil heavily with compost and peat moss to create an acidic bed.
Dig a shallow, wide hole, no deeper than the root ball.
Set the plant so the top of the root ball is 1-2 inches above soil level.
Backfill with the amended soil, creating a wide mound.
Water thoroughly and apply an acidic mulch.

Pro Tip

Plant high. Azaleas have shallow roots and planting the top of the root ball slightly above the surrounding soil level is key to preventing root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Maintain a consistent layer of acidic mulch.
Provide regular water, especially during dry periods.
Test soil pH and amend as needed to keep it acidic (5.0-6.0).
Site the plant where it is protected from winter sun and wind.

Don't

Don't plant too deeply.
Avoid cultivating around the base, as roots are very shallow.
Don't use fertilizers formulated for roses or lawns.
Don't let the plant dry out completely.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Vibrant specimen for woodland gardensColorful informal hedge or screenEssential foundation planting for acidic soils

Companion Plants

Kalmia latifolia Pieris japonica Ferns (various) Hosta Cornus florida

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Azalea questions

What zones can Azalea grow in?

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 Azalea deer resistant?

Yes — Azalea is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Azalea bloom?

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

Does Azalea need full sun?

Azalea does best in part shade.