Rhododendron ‘Girard’s Scarlet’
Overview
Uses: Foundation plantings, low hedges, mass plantings, and part-shade beds.
Benefits: A cold-hardy Girard evergreen azalea with bright scarlet-red flowers in spring. Forms a dense, compact mound of glossy leaves that looks good year-round in part-shade foundation beds.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5–8
Sun: Partial Shade to Full Sun
Life Cycle: Broadleaf Evergreen Shrub
Growth Habit: Rounded, Mounding — dense and compact.
Bloom Color: Scarlet Red
Foliage Color: Glossy Dark Green
Mature Height: 2–4 feet
Mature Width: 3–5 feet
Bloom Season: Mid to late spring
Growth Rate: Moderate
Summary
A mound of true scarlet that lights up the shady side of the house in spring.
Evergreen azaleas are some of the most colorful shrubs of spring, but many of the showiest types are tender in northern winters. The Girard azaleas were bred in northeastern Ohio specifically to stand up to colder climates, and Girard’s Scarlet brings one of the brightest reds in the group to gardens as cold as zone 5. In mid to late spring the plant is covered so thickly in vivid scarlet-red flowers that the leaves nearly disappear.
After bloom, it settles into a dense, rounded mound of small, glossy leaves two to four feet tall and a little wider. That compact shape fits neatly under windows, along a walk, or in a low hedge, and because the foliage stays on through winter, the planting never looks bare.
It is at its best in the dappled light under tall trees or on the east side of a building, where morning sun brings out the flowers and afternoon shade keeps the leaves fresh.
Care
Girard’s Scarlet Azalea Care
Partial shade is ideal: morning sun with protection from hot afternoon sun. Plants in full sun bloom heavily but need more water and are more prone to leaf scorch and lace bug damage. Deep shade reduces flowering.
Azaleas need acidic, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Heavy clay or soggy ground is the most common reason they struggle. Work compost or pine bark into the planting area, and set the plant so the top of the root ball sits slightly above the surrounding soil.
The roots are fine and shallow. Water deeply once or twice a week through the first growing season, and during dry spells after that. A two-to-three-inch layer of pine bark or shredded leaf mulch keeps roots cool and moist; avoid digging or cultivating near the base. Water well in late fall before the ground freezes.
Feed lightly right after flowering with a slow release fertilizer. Azaleas are light feeders, and established plants in good soil often need nothing.
Prune, if needed, right after the flowers fade. Next year’s buds form by midsummer, so late-season pruning removes flowers. In zone 5, a spot sheltered from strong winter wind helps the leaves come through winter in good shape. It is normal for evergreen azaleas to drop some older leaves in fall.
Size
What Size is the Girard’s Scarlet Azalea for Sale Online?
Our Girard’s Scarlet Azalea ships in a greenhouse-grade grow pot and is appropriately sized for its container at the time of shipment. As an evergreen, it keeps most of its leaves through the off-season. If you have specific sizing or planting questions, please contact us.
How Large Does Girard’s Scarlet Azalea Grow?
Expect about 2 to 4 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide at maturity, in a dense, rounded mound. Space plants about 3 feet apart for a low hedge or mass planting.
Additional Information
What are Girard azaleas?
Girard azaleas are a group of evergreen and deciduous azaleas developed at Girard Nurseries in Geneva, Ohio, with a focus on cold hardiness. They were bred to bring bright, reliable spring color to colder regions where many evergreen azaleas suffer winter damage. Browse more Azaleas.
Is an azalea a rhododendron?
Yes. All azaleas belong to the genus Rhododendron. Gardeners generally use the name azalea for the types with smaller leaves and a lighter, twiggier habit, and rhododendron for the large-leaved types. Girard’s Scarlet is a small-leaved evergreen azalea.
Will it stay green all winter?
Mostly. Evergreen azaleas keep their smaller summer leaves through winter and shed some of the larger spring leaves in fall, which is normal. In exposed spots the foliage may take on reddish or bronze tones in cold weather and freshen up again in spring. Explore more Evergreen Plants.
Do deer eat azaleas?
Unfortunately, yes. Azaleas are a favorite of deer, especially in winter. In areas with heavy browsing, plan on fencing or repellents, or consider alternatives from our Deer-Resistant Shrubs and Evergreens.
