Azalea HOTSPUR RED

Deciduous azaleas are probably the most striking flowering shrubs. Their colours are vivid and bright, and often have the shades that not many rhododendrons can offer. They need full sun.

Hotspur Red is an old variety of deciduous azalea that is still attracting attention as it belongs to the most sought-after azaleas with orange red flowers. Their colour is almost fiery red with shades of deep orange and soft red. They are mid-sized and not fragrant. Bloom time is mid May to early June. Deciduous leaves are soft green, oval to elliptic, and turn wine purple and golden orange in autumn. Young plants grow upright and quite fast making some 20-30 cm per year. When they reach about 1 meter tall they slow down and become bushier and wider so adult plants are almost as wide as tall.

Deciduous azaleas are ericaceous plants, loving insulate position with always moist soil. During temporary summer dry spells in certain areas their leaves may suffer and be prone to fungus infections. Should you need to shape or rejuvenate your plant do so as early in the spring as possible so that it can still make new twigs with flower buds for the next season. It re-sprouts reliably. Azaleas have many surface roots which spread to sides in search for nutrients and water. The best soil mixture consists of peat, lime-free compost and leaf-mould. Fully hardy to min. -34°C (USDA zone 4).

Last update 11-12-2014