SCIENTIFIC NAME: Azalea x 'Red Sunset' (Exbury hybrid)

COMMON NAME: Red Sunset Azalea

GARDEN SIZE: 6-8 feet tall x 4-6 feet wide

GROWTH RATE: Moderate

USDA ZONE: 5 to 8

EXPOSURE: Full sun to partial sun; shelter from intense afternoon sun in hot climates. May tolerate being in more sun if given more water (but still avoid leaving them with wet feet).

WATER & SOIL: Keep soil moist but well-drained; thrives in humus-rich, acidic soils

HABIT (FORM): Mounding form

FOLIAGE: Deciduous; bright green foliage

FLOWERS: Fiery red, showy blooms in late spring

PLANT ORIGIN: Exbury hybrid selected for hardiness and vibrant red color

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: May provide some nesting sites and shelter for birds and small mammals, but does not serve as much of a host for local insects and wildlife. May provide food for insects in the spring.

FERTILIZING: Apply a fertilizer for acid-loving plants in the early spring.

PRUNING: Remove spent flower clusters immediately after the blooms finish. Pruning is not usually needed or recommended, but may be done right after blooming is finished in late spring or early summer.

TOXICITY FLAGS: Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.

USES: Hedge, Foundation planting, Specimen