Girard's Fuchsia Azalea

Light Needs

Partial Sun to Full Sun

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

3-4 Feet

Mature Spread

3-4 Feet

Growing Zones

6 to 9

If you’re looking for a stunning garden addition, Girard's Fuchsia Azalea, or Azalea 'Girard's Fuchsia' is a superb choice. This deciduous azalea blooms in early to mid-May with aromatic pink flowers, with contrasting splashes of deep fuchsia. These large ruffled blooms are an exceptional source of beauty in a spring garden. These intense, vibrant flowers are offset with the Girard's Fuchsia Azalea’s shiny, green foliage. It stands at a height of 3 to 4 feet with a spread of 4 to 5 feet and has good winter leaf retention.

Native to the United States, the Girard's Fuchsia Azalea has a dense, upright growing habit and is an optimal, low-maintenance choice as a colorful centerpiece in any garden. They are very hardy plants that attract spring butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees. It is important to note that Girard's Fuchsia Azalea is considered a poisonous plant. Keep them out of reach of children and pets who could accidentally ingest them.

Girard's Fuchsia Azalea Care

The best location to plant Girard's Fuchsia Azaleas is in areas with full to partial sunlight. In hot climates, plant them beneath taller plants or trees to avoid burning or bleaching leaf centers. Azaleas should not be in full shade. Too much shade will cause your azaleas to be spindly and have fewer flowers. You should water them regularly and keep the soil moist and protected. The ideal soil for Girard's Fuchsia Azaleas is acidic and well-drained.

Feed your established Azaleas with acidic fertilizer before they bloom in early spring, then again when new leaves begin to grow, just as the blooms are fading. Plant your Girard's Fuchsia Azaleas in a raised bed if your soil is clay or alkaline. Azaleas should be planted with the root ball slightly above soil level. The plants have shallow roots that grow near the surface and will benefit from mulching at the base to keep in moisture.

Azaleas do not have to be pruned as carefully as rhododendrons. You should prune them while they are dormant for the season. The leaves of azaleas are evenly spaced along the branches, with a bud at the base of each leaf. New growth will sprout anywhere you cut, so don’t be afraid to trim them back. They are very hardy and will regrow. They are susceptible to mildew and root weevils, so watch your plant for signs of distress or premature de-leafing.

Girard's Fuchsia Azalea Spacing

Girard's Fuchsia Azaleas are especially beautiful when planted in groups. They are very hardy and can even be sheared into a formal hedge. They work well in containers and can be planted as a single specimen or en masse. When planting, space your azaleas at least 3 to 5 feet apart center to center.