Hot Shot Azalea

Light Needs

Partial Shade to Partial Sun

(3 - 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

2-3 Feet

Mature Spread

2-3 Feet

Growing Zones

6 to 9

The Hot Shot Azalea is a stunner that boasts showy, 3-inch wide flowers. The trumpet-shaped flowers have ruffled edges and are a deep red hue. Rhododendron x 'Girard's Hot Shot' blooms in clusters, creating an even showier and more impressive display. The prolific flowers engulf this plant in the spring, but the glossy dark green foliage provides contrast, color, and visual interest throughout the summer. The leaves turn a vibrant red during the fall, offering seasonal interest.

Plant this flowering shrub in a mixed bed to enjoy bold springtime color. The compact size makes this shrub ideal for a low hedge to define an area without obstructing sight lines. Grow this Azalea in a container and enjoy more flexible placement options. This cultivar is disease resistant, making Azalea gall a disease of the past. The bold red flowers are pollinator friendly and attract hummingbirds and bees in particular.

Hot Shot Azalea Care

Choose a planting location with partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. High organic content supports growth, and an application of acidic fertilizer each spring will provide an additional nutritional boost. New plants need consistent water, while established plants typically only need water during an extended dry period.

The Hot Shot Azalea is naturally rounded and does not require much pruning. Shape as necessary in late spring after blooming, as Azaleas bloom on old wood. Remove dead or damaged growth at any time of year.

Hot Shot Azalea Spacing

The Hot Shot Azalea grows 2 to 3 feet tall and 2 to 2.5 feet wide. Plant shrubs 2 to 3 feet apart, center on center, to create a low hedge. Grow one Hot Shot Azalea in a 16-inch-wide container.