Azalea 'Hotshot'

Description: An evergreen Japanese Azalea' with white and green variegated foliage which is unusual for the Rhododendron group. The compact shrub produces a mass of large bright orange-red flowers from late spring until early summer which stand out well amongst the variegated leaves. 

Uses: Privides good all year round interest in any lightly shaded border.

Climate/Position: Partial shade prefered.

Height/Spread: 60cm height and spread.

Soil Requirements: Azaleas and Rhododendrons prefer soils with a low pH or peaty/ ericaceous soil to avoid chlorosis or yellowing of the leaves.

Pruning: Generally avoid pruning. Flower stalks can be pinched out (by finger and thumb rather than secateurs) when flowering is complete. Well established plants will respond well to regenerative pruning if required.

Special Requirements: Applying a mulch regularly around the plant will help moisture retention in the soil. Where plants struggle a little if not grown in soil with low pH, then Rhododendrons will always benefit from an annual feed of sequestered iron to ensure the plants do not suffer from iron deficiency which is indicated by interveinal chlorosis or yellowing of leaves between the veins.

Additional Interest: Azalea are a variety of Rhododendron that will produce very colourful shrubs in Spring/Summer. Flowers have 5 stamens whereas rhododendron have 10 stamens or more.

'Girard Hot Shot' is one of more than 30 evergreen azaleas bred and introduced by Girard Nurseries in Geneva, Ohio.