Mother's Day Azalea
Rhododendron 'Mother's Day'
Ericaceae · broadleaf evergreen shrub · introduced
Last updated
A compact, spreading evergreen azalea reaching 4 to 5 feet in 10 years and 5 to 6 feet at maturity. Openly funnel-shaped flowers, 2 inches wide, hose-in-hose to semi-double, strong red with faint deep red dorsal spotting, in clusters of 2 to 3 blooms. Late-midseason flowering. A hybrid of 'Professeur Wolters' crossed with 'Hinodegiri', bred by van Hecke in Belgium (RHS 58).
The hose-in-hose to semi-double flower form gives each bloom doubled substance and visual weight compared to single-flowered azaleas. Bright green foliage tinged bronze in winter. Hardy to -5°F (Zone 7a-9a). Part shade to full sun on acidic, well-drained soil (pH 4.5-6.0). Fewer flowers per cluster (2 to 3) than mass-blooming Kurume types, so visual impact depends on overall bloom density rather than individual cluster size. Twenty-one diseases and 15 pests documented at the genus level. All parts contain grayanotoxins and are toxic if ingested.
Quick Facts
Root Colonization (Spring–Fall)
Infection at Bud Break
Apothecia Formation & Spore Release
Aecial Stage (Alternate Host)
+ 13 more — see full disease and pest lists below
Phenological Calendar
| Stage | Typical Window |
|---|---|
| Bud swell BBCH 01-03 | Mar 15-Apr 15 |
| Bloom start BBCH 61 | Apr 15-May 1 |
| Full bloom BBCH 65 | Apr 25-May 12 |
| Bloom end BBCH 69 | May 8-May 22 |
| Bud set BBCH 55-59 | Jul 15-Sep 15 |