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RHODODENDRON 'Girard's Hot Shot'

Image of Rhododendron 'Girard's Hot Shot' (Girard Hybrid)

Gerald L. Klingaman

Family

Ericaceae

Botanical Name

RHODODENDRON 'Girard's Hot Shot'( Girard Hybrid)

Plant Common Name

Evergreen Azalea, Girard Azalea, Girard Hot Shot Azalea

General Description

Azalea ‘Girard’s Hot Shot’ bears large flowers that are fiery orange-red with a darker spotted blotch in mid-spring. The abundant single funnel-shaped flowers cluster near the ends of the branches. The leaves are small, oval, glossy medium green and take on orange-red tones in fall and winter. The plants are compact and spreading.

Renowned for their cold hardiness, these compact evergreen azaleas were bred at the Ohio-based Girard Nursery. They are also noted for large blooms on compact disease-resistant plants.

Azaleas prefer sites with partial shade and highly organic acid soil that is evenly moist but well-drained. Plant them shallowly and mulch well to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. They prefer warm summers and cool winters and require some winter cold for good growth. The flower buds develop in summer for the following spring’s display, so prune shortly after flowering, if necessary. It is best to choose a cultivar that will not outgrow its space.

Girard hybrid azaleas are great for shaded woodland gardens, edging, beds, ground cover, accent plants, Japanese gardens, containers and bonsai.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    8 - 5

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    5 - 8

  • Sunset Zone

    4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Broadleaf Evergreen

  • Sun Exposure

    Partial Sun, Partial Shade

  • Height

    2'-4' / 0.6m - 1.2m

  • Width

    3'-5' / 0.9m - 1.5m

  • Bloom Time

    Spring

  • Native To

    Hybrid Origin

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Growth Rate

    Medium

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Oval/Rounded

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    Crimson, Orange Red

  • Fruit Color

    Green, Brown

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green, Orange Red

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Green, Orange Red

  • Bark Color

    Sandy Brown

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Smooth

  • Usage

    Container, Edging, Feature Plant, Foundation, Groundcover, Hedges, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Hummingbirds, Butterflies

  • Self-Sowing

    No