Family
Ericaceae
Botanical Name
RHODODENDRON 'Judge Solmon'( Southern Indica Hybrid)
Plant Common Name
Evergreen Azalea
General Description
A heat-tolerant Southern Indica Hybrid, this evergreen azalea bears showy clusters of large pink flowers from early to mid-spring. Purple freckles dot the upper lobes of the broadly funnel-shaped single flowers. The upright rounded eye-high plants have handsome dark green leaves.
Selected in the Southeast United States for their tolerance of hot humid conditions, Southern Indica azaleas descend from the Belgian Indica Group. Their ancestry includes the East Asian species Rhododendron simsii, R. indicum, and R. murconatum.
Southern Indica azaleas are highly adaptable to all mild-winter climates, growing best in partial sun or in the bright shade of high-branched trees. Once established, they can handle full sun in areas with moderate summers. Give them an acidic soil with good drainage. Whether massed under tall live oaks or grown individually as a garden specimen, container plant, or espalier, they are equally lovely.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
10 - 6
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USDA Hardiness Zone
8 - 10
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Sunset Zone
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
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
5'-6' / 1.5m - 1.8m
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Width
5'-6' / 1.5m - 1.8m
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Bloom Time
Early Spring, Spring
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Native To
Hybrid Origin
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Purple, Pink
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Light 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)
Olive, 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
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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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, Feature Plant, Foundation, 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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Self-Sowing
No