Deciduous & Flowering Shrubs
Girard's Crimson azalea
Rhododendron 'Girard's Crimson'
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Girard's Crimson azalea is a compact evergreen shrub with purple-red to crimson flowers in mid to late spring. Its foliage may turn copper-red in winter, giving this small plant another seasonal change. Expect it to reach about 2 to 4 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide at maturity; allow for that width when placing it near a path or other shrubs. In Southwest Washington, choose a site with partial shade and moist, well-drained acidic soil. Keep the root area moist during dry spells without leaving the soil waterlogged. Its low, spreading size suits the front of a shrub planting.
Ask about this plantAt a glance
- Mature height
- About 2–4 feet
- Mature spread
- About 3–4 feet
- Light
- Partial shade
- Hardiness
- USDA zones 5–8
The right plant, the right place
Make room for something good.
Its compact evergreen form fits the front of a shrub planting. Allow about 3 to 4 feet for its mature spread.
Where to plant
Choose partial shade and leave room for the shrub to widen. A site with good drainage helps protect its roots during wet weather.
Through the seasons
Purple-red to crimson flowers appear in mid to late spring. Evergreen leaves may develop copper-red tones in winter.
Southwest Washington gardens
Give it a good start.
In Southwest Washington, pay particular attention to drainage during wet periods and soil moisture during dry spells. Azalea lace bugs can mark leaves with pale stippling.
Soil, drainage & water
Plant in moist, well-drained acidic soil. Water during dry spells, but avoid keeping the roots waterlogged.
A little care goes a long way
Growing well, season after season.
Prune after flowering if shaping is needed. Check leaf undersides in spring for lace bugs, especially where plants receive strong sun or become drought-stressed.
Know what to look for
Common growing concerns.
Symptoms can have more than one cause. These notes are a starting point for observing your plant and improving its growing conditions.
Azalea lace bug
Pale stippling or silvery leaves, with insects and dark spots beneath them.
Help your plant thrive
Check leaf undersides in early spring. A strong stream of water can dislodge insects; avoid broad-spectrum insecticides that harm their predators.
Root rot
Declining growth associated with persistently wet roots.
Help your plant thrive
Plant in well-drained soil and avoid overwatering.
A little more inspiration
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Cornus sericea 'Baileyi'
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Cornus alba 'Prairie Fire'
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Pacific ninebark
Physocarpus capitatus
Pacific ninebark combines white flowers, reddish fruit clusters, and peeling bark in a large informal shrub suited to moist, spacious, regionally inspired planting.
Explore this plantGood gardens start with a conversation
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for your place.
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