Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
Red Ruffles Azalea (Rhododendron 'Red Ruffles') produces an abundance of deep red, ruffled blooms in mid-spring, which stand out against the dark green foliage. The single to semi-double flowers have an elegant, frilled texture, adding dimension to garden spaces. With a compact growth habit, reaching 2 to 4 feet tall and wide, this evergreen shrub provides year-round interest and is well-suited for small gardens, containers, and borders.
This azalea thrives in warm climates, performing best in USDA Zones 8–9. It prefers filtered sun or partial shade, making it an excellent choice for dappled woodland settings. The dense, mounded form lends itself well to foundation plantings, low hedges, and mass plantings. With its ability to attract pollinators, Red Ruffles Azalea is a natural fit for cottage gardens, Asian-inspired landscapes, or formal garden designs.
Red Ruffles Azalea Care
Plant in well-drained, humus-rich, acidic soil and keep the roots cool with a 2-3 inch layer of mulch. Regular deep watering is essential during the first growing season to establish deep roots, and consistent moisture should be maintained thereafter. It prefers partial sun to partial shade, and performs best with morning sun and afternoon shade in warmer climates. Apply an acid-formulated fertilizer after flowering to support healthy growth and continued blooming.
Pruning and Maintenance
Prune immediately after flowering to shape the plant and remove spent blooms, but avoid late-season pruning, as this may reduce the following year's flowers. If grown in a container, repot every few years to refresh the soil and maintain optimal growth.
Red Ruffles Azalea Spacing
Space plants 2 to 3 feet apart for a dense hedge or mass planting. When planting in a row, maintain at least 3 feet of spacing for a fully defined form. If using containers, select one that is at least 14 inches wide to allow adequate root development.
Red Ruffles Azalea Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 8 to 9 (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
- Part Shade to Full Sun (4+ Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 2- 4 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 2-3 Feet
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Growth Habit
- , Mounded
- Water Needs
- Average
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , Red
- Flower Description
- Deep red
- Bloom Time
- Spring
- 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
- , Evergreen
- Seasonal Interest
- , Spring Flowering, Winter Interest, 3 Season Interest, 4 Season Interest
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Red Ruffles Azalea
- Botanical Name
- Azalea 'Red Ruffles' (Rutherfordiana hybrid)
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
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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.
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