Rhododendron 'Girard's Crimson'

'Girard's Crimson' azalea is a woody, broadleaf evergreen shrub in the Ericaceae (blueberry) family. It has a rounded compact form 2 to 4 feet high and 3 to 4 feet wide. The genus name derives from the Greek words rhodo, which means rose, and dendron, meaning tree. Its parents are (R. Boudoir’ x R. ‘Alladin’) and (R. ‘Boudoir’ x R. ‘Corporal’). 

Plant this azalea in moist, well-drained, acid soil in part shade and with protection from afternoon sun which can scorch the leaves. It does not tolerate dense clay, so if you have clay soil, amend with organic material. Pruning, if desired, may be done after flowering. 

The large showy flowers bloom in mid to late spring and are purple red to crimson red in color. In the winter the glossy dark green leaves acquire copper red tones. 

This azalea is at home as an understory shrub planted in groups in woodland, shade garden, or naturalized area. Its small size is perfect for a courtyard garden, foundation planting, or small hedge.  Take advantage of its showy red flowers as  a specimen in a pollinator garden where it will attract hummingbirds and bees.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Insect problems include aphids, borers, lace bugs, leafhoppers, mealybugs, mites, nematodes, scale, thrips, and whitefly. Diseases include canker, crown rot, root rot, leaf spot, rust, and powdery mildew. This plant is frequently damaged by deer.

While rhododendrons remain very popular for landscape use, many cultivars are susceptible to Phytophthora root rot—this leads to leaf loss, reduced vigor, branch dieback, and wilting. Implement good cultural practices first, such as improving drainage with organic matter or berms and avoiding overwatering or overfertilization. However, if you have a site with a history of this disease, consider planting one of the root rot-resistant alternative species listed in the left-hand sidebar. 

For suitable alternatives, see this video created by Charlotte Glen as part of the Plants, Pests, and Pathogens series.

VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

More information on Rhododendron.