Rhododendron ‘Girard’s Hot Shot’
Overview
Uses: Foundation plantings, low hedges, mass plantings, and part-shade beds.
Benefits: A cold-hardy Girard evergreen azalea with large, wavy, red-orange flowers in late spring. Glossy leaves turn brilliant orange-red in fall and winter on a dense, compact, spreading shrub.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5–8
Sun: Partial Shade to Full Sun
Life Cycle: Broadleaf Evergreen Shrub
Growth Habit: Spreading, Mounding — dense and compact.
Bloom Color: Red-Orange
Foliage Color: Glossy Green, turning Orange-Red in fall and winter
Mature Height: 2–4 feet
Mature Width: 3–5 feet
Bloom Season: Mid to late spring
Growth Rate: Moderate
Summary
A shot of hot red-orange in the shade garden, followed by leaves that glow through winter.
Girard’s Hot Shot lives up to its name. In mid to late spring it covers itself in large, wavy-edged flowers in a vivid red-orange, a warm, saturated color that stands out sharply against dark evergreens, ferns, and the fresh green of a woodland bed. Where many shade plants bloom white or pastel, this one brings real heat.
The color returns later in the year. In fall the glossy leaves begin turning a brilliant orange-red, and they hold that tone through winter until new growth starts in spring, giving the plant interest in the months when the garden needs it most.
Its habit is dense and spreading, building a low, compact mound about two to four feet tall and three to five feet wide. Planted in groups, it knits together into a continuous sweep that covers ground on gentle slopes and under high trees.
Developed by Girard Nurseries for cold-winter gardens, it is well suited to the northern part of the azalea range and thrives in partial shade or morning sun with acidic, well-drained soil.
Care
Girard’s Hot Shot Azalea Care
Plant in partial shade or where it gets morning sun and protection from strong afternoon sun. A few hours of direct light keeps bloom and winter color strong, while hot all-day sun can scorch the leaves and invite lace bugs.
Give it acidic, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Azalea roots are fine and shallow and do not tolerate wet feet, so in heavy clay, amend with compost and plant with the top of the root ball slightly above grade. A two-to-three-inch mulch of pine bark or shredded leaves, kept away from the stems, holds moisture and keeps roots cool.
Water deeply once or twice a week through the first growing season and during dry periods after that. Water thoroughly in late fall before the ground freezes to help the evergreen leaves through winter.
Fertilize lightly. A single application of a slow release fertilizer for acid-loving plants after bloom is plenty.
Prune only right after flowering, because next year's flower buds form in summer. The spreading habit rarely needs shaping beyond removing an occasional stray branch. Shelter from strong winter wind helps protect the colored foliage.
Size
What Size is the Girard’s Hot Shot Azalea for Sale Online?
Our Girard’s Hot Shot Azalea ships in a greenhouse-grade grow pot and is appropriately sized for its container at the time of shipment. Plants shipped in fall or winter may show orange-red seasonal foliage, which is normal for this azalea. If you have specific sizing or planting questions, please contact us.
How Large Does Girard’s Hot Shot Azalea Grow?
Expect about 2 to 4 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide at maturity, in a dense, spreading mound. Space plants about 3 to 4 feet apart for a mass planting that fills in as one.
Additional Information
What is a Girard azalea?
Girard azaleas are evergreen hybrids bred at Girard Nurseries in northeastern Ohio for large flowers and dependable bloom after cold winters. See our full selection of Azaleas.
Does it keep its color through winter?
Yes. The glossy leaves turn orange-red in fall and generally hold that color through winter, then green up with new spring growth. A few older leaves may drop in autumn, which is normal for evergreen azaleas. For more shrubs with year-round foliage, browse our Evergreen Plants.
Is it a good choice for mass planting?
Yes. Its low, spreading habit is well suited to groups. Planted three to four feet apart, the mounds grow together into a continuous band of foliage that covers ground under trees or on a gentle slope, with a solid sheet of red-orange in spring.
Is Girard’s Hot Shot Azalea deer resistant?
No. Deer browse azaleas, especially in winter. Where deer pressure is heavy, protect plants with fencing or a repellent, or choose from our Deer-Resistant Shrubs and Evergreens.
