Torch Azalea

A rounded evergreen to semi-deciduous azalea native to Japan (Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu), reaching 4 to 8 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide. Funnel-shaped flowers, typically salmon-red to brick-red, 1 to 2 inches across. Dark green foliage. An important parent in the Kaempferi and Gable hybrid azalea breeding lines.

Hardy in Zone 5a-8b. Part shade on acidic, well-drained soil. Moderate growth rate. A parent species behind many popular evergreen azalea hybrids including the Gable series, contributing color range and cold hardiness. Twenty-one diseases and 15 pests documented at the genus level. All parts contain grayanotoxins and are toxic if ingested.

Evergreen azaleas perform well in Puget Sound Zone 8b with proper siting. Acidic soil is essential; native soils here trend acidic which is favorable. Part shade is ideal; morning sun with afternoon shade reduces lace bug pressure. Good drainage is critical given wet winters; Phytophthora risk in clay soils. Semi-evergreen here; retains most leaves through mild winters, drops more in cold snaps.

— Chris Welch, ISA Certified Arborist