deciduous azalea
Rhododendron 'Hotspur'
Cycle:
Perennial
Watering:
Average
Hardiness Zone:
5 - 8
Flowers:
Orange-red with a yellowish blotch Flowers
Sun:
Part shade
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green
Growth Rate:
Low
Maintenance:
Moderate
Poisonous To Pets:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Water deciduous azalea (Rhododendron 'Hotspur') plants liberally about once weekly during the growing season (spring and summer). Let the top 3 to 5 inches of soil dry out between waterings. Water plants slowly and deeply, and make sure the entire root zone is soaked not just the area near the stem. If planting in containers, check the soil every day in hot, dry weather; containers tend to dry out more quickly than the ground.
sunlight
Deciduous azalea (Rhododendron 'Hotspur') should receive full sun in the morning and light shade in the afternoon. It should receive around 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. This plant thrives best in partial shade during periods of high heat and humidity, such as mid summer in many regions. The goal is to maximize air circulation to reduce the chances for disease to develop. In warmer growing zones, partial shade should be given particularly in the afternoon.
pruning
Deciduous azalea (Rhododendron 'Hotspur') should be pruned in late winter or very early spring, before the new growth appears. After the first hard frost, prune out dead, damaged, diseased, and crossing branches. Cut back stems by 1-third to maintain the desired size. Pruning encourages more flowers and a denser plant habit. After the plant is 4 years old, it can be pruned more aggressively to remove seedpods and occasional crossing branches, as well as to shape the overall plant.
