Radiant Red Native Azalea

Rhododendron Aromi hybrid ‘Radiant Red’

Plant Details

USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 6a-9b Find Your Zone

Plant Type: Deciduous Flowering Shrub or Small Tree

Height at Maturity: 6-8′

Width at Maturity: 4-6′

Spacing: 4′ for solid hedges; 10’+ for space between plants

Flower Color: Brilliant Fiery Red

Flower Size: Large, 3-4″

Flowering Period: Early to Mid-Spring

Flower Type: Single, Trumpet-shape

Fragrant Flowers: Yes!

Foliage Color: Medium Green

Fragrant Foliage: No

Berries: No

Berry Color: NA

Sun Needs: Part to Mostly Shade, Dappled Shade, Morning Sun with Afternoon Shade, All Day Filtered Sun, Full Sun (See Cultural Preferences above)

Water Needs: Average, Lower when established

Soil Type: Clay (amended), Loam, Sand (amended), Silt

Soil Moisture / Drainage: Well Drained Moist

Soil pH: 4.5 – 6.5 (Acid to Slightly Acid)

Maintenance / Care: Low

Attracts: Visual Attention

Resistances: Heat, Humidity, Insect, Shade

Description

A rare selection, the Radiant Red Native Azalea is an outstanding Aromi hybrid producing large clusters of deep red buds in spring that open to brilliant and stunning fiery-red flowers that fill the garden with a wonderful spicy aroma. Heat and humidity tolerance, vigor, fragrance, and unique color all come together for an absolutely stunning color display and sensory appeal in the garden!

Radiant Red is one of many Aromi Hybrid deciduous rhododendron selections developed by Dr. Aromi. In hopes that they might be enjoyed throughout a much broader range of the US, and especially for the hot and humid climate of the South, Dr. Aromi used native species as well as hybrids in breeding to develop this heat tolerant series with the same if not improved colors, vigor, and fragrance of our native deciduous azalea species. Though the Aromi are cross hybrids and technically not “full-blooded” North American natives, to keep things simple we list them in our Native Azalea category.

Landscape & Garden Uses

Growing 6 to 8 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide, Radiant Red Deciduous Azalea is ideal for use as a specimen or in groupings in woodland borders or other areas of the landscape that provide moist but well-drained soils rich in organic matter. A fine selection for fragrance gardens, Azalea gardens, woodland gardens, red theme gardens, and cottage gardens.

Suggested Spacing: We do not suggest planting this beauty as a hedge however, if used in a solid row space at 4 to 5 feet apart; 10 feet or more for space between plants

Note: For our customers who live and garden north of USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 6a, where this Rhododendron variety is not reliably winter hardy, you can enjoy it in containers that can be moved indoors during winter and placed back outside when temperatures warm up in spring.

Growing Preferences

Radiant Red Deciduous Azalea is very easy to grow in moist but well-drained soil of average to high fertility. Radiant Red performs well in full sun in the northern USDA Zones where it grows but will appreciate some shade or filtered sun in the afternoon in the deep South. Some suggest full sun tolerance throughout the zones where it is listed hardy, however, we always like to play it safe so as mentioned a break from direct afternoon sun in hotter climates. Once established plants are quite drought tolerant, requiring supplemental water only during prolonged periods of dry summer weather. Native azaleas are very low-maintenance, requiring little if any pruning. That said, occasionally we might prune a stray branch that is spoiling the natural form of the plant.

Helpful Articles

Click on the link below to find helpful advice from our experts on how to plant and care for native azaleas.

How To Plant & Care For Native Azaleas

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