Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
The showy flowers of Azalea are a sign of spring, and the Martha Hitchcock Azalea doesn’t disappoint. The flowers have pinkish-white centers with purple borders and bloom in bunches, creating a stunning and fragrant display. The petals have a slight ruffle, adding even more dimension. Enjoy the blooms from April through May. Acclimated plants are low maintenance, and this variety is heat tolerant, allowing it to thrive in warm climates.
This upright shrub grows 3 to 4 feet tall and wide, making it an excellent choice for a foundation planting. Feature this shade-loving shrub on a slope to control erosion, or plant it in a container to enjoy flexible placement options. The bluish-green elliptical foliage has silver tones on the underside, introducing an unexpected pop of color long after the flowers fade. Grow the Martha Hitchcock Azalea in zones 5 through 8.
Martha Hitchcock Azalea Care
Azaleas need loose, acidic, well-drained soil. Rich soil with high organic content is best and supports growth. This shrub needs moist but not soggy conditions. Water is vital for Azaleas to bloom, so give the plant water if there hasn’t been a lot of rain. The Martha Hitchcock Azalea needs about 4 hours of daily sunlight; while this plant is heat tolerant, morning sun and afternoon shade are ideal. Fertilize Azaleas in the late winter or early spring using a balanced plant food or an acidic fertilizer, depending on the soil pH.
A light pruning will create a compact shape and promote new growth. Prune the Martha Hitchcock Azalea in late spring after the flowers fade. Deadheading is not necessary but creates a tidy appearance. Azaleas set buds the year prior to blooming, so be careful not to damage next year’s buds while deadheading this year’s flowers.
Martha Hitchcock Azalea Spacing
Space Martha Hitchcock Azaleas 3 feet apart on center to create a low hedge or continuous planting. Azalea roots are shallow, so select a wide container that measures close to 2 feet wide.
Martha Hitchcock Azalea Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 5 to 8 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Full Sun (6+ Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 3-4 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 3-4 Feet
- Growth Habit
- , Upright
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , Pink, White
- Flower Description
- Large, single white flowers accented by wide, magenta-purple margins and distinct dark spotting or chartreuse flecks in the throat
- Blooms On
-
Old Wood
?
"Blooms on" tells you which stems produce flowers, which decides when it's safe to prune.
- New Wood: Flowers form on stems that grow this season. Prune in late winter or early spring without losing blooms.
- Old Wood: Flower buds form on last year's stems. Prune right after flowering. Pruning in fall or early spring removes next year's blooms.
- Both New and Old Wood: Blooms on last year's stems and again on new growth, so it flowers even after a hard winter or a mistimed pruning. Prune lightly after the first flush of blooms.
- When to Prune
- Right after flowering
- Foliage Color
- , Green
- Foliage Description
- Green
- Foliage Type
- , Deciduous
- Seasonal Interest
- , Summer Flowering
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Martha Hitchcock Azalea
- Also Known As
- Martha Hitchcock Azalea
- Botanical Name
- Azalea x 'Martha Hitchock'
- Plant Type
- Shrub
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
We stand behind our plants with industry-leading guarantees to give you peace of mind.
We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Starting January 1, 2026 all bushes, perennials & trees purchased come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!