Gerald L. Klingaman
Family
Ericaceae
Botanical Name
RHODODENDRON 'Girard's Pleasant White'( Girard Hybrid)
Plant Common Name
Evergreen Azalea, Girard Azalea, Girard Pleasant White Azalea
General Description
Azalea ‘Girard’s Pleasant White’ bears large flowers that are white with creamy centers in late spring. The abundant single funnel-shaped flowers cluster near the ends of the branches. The leaves are small, oval, glossy and dark green. The dwarf plants are well-branched 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
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AHS Heat Zone
8 - 5
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USDA Hardiness Zone
5 - 8
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Sunset Zone
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Broadleaf Evergreen
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Sun Exposure
Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
2'-3' / 0.6m - 0.9m
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Width
3'-4' / 0.9m - 1.2m
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Bloom Time
Spring, Late Spring
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Native To
Hybrid Origin
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Ivory
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Flower Color Modifier
Bicolor
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Fruit Color
Green, Brown
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green, Dark Green
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Bark Color
Sandy Brown
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Smooth
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Usage
Container, Edging, Feature Plant, Foundation, Groundcover, Hedges, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Hummingbirds, Butterflies
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Self-Sowing
No