Stewartstonian Azalea

A dense, upright, well-branched evergreen azalea reaching 4 to 5 feet in 10 years and 5 to 7 feet at maturity. Single orange-red flowers, 2 to 2½ inches wide, produced abundantly in small clusters. Mid spring bloom. Bright green foliage turns mahogany-red in winter, providing year-round color interest. A Gable hybrid bred by Joseph B. Gable of Stewartstown, Pennsylvania, from R. poukhanense and Kaempferi azalea parentage.

Among the hardiest evergreen azaleas in commerce, with reliable performance in USDA zones 5b through 8a where many evergreen azaleas fail. The mahogany-red winter foliage is a distinctive feature that most evergreen azaleas lack. Dense upright habit is effective for mass plantings, screens, and hedges. Full sun to part shade on acidic, well-drained soil (pH 4.5-6.0). Larger at maturity than Kurume azaleas; not appropriate for small-space positions. Twenty-one diseases and 15 pests documented at the genus level. All parts contain grayanotoxins and are toxic if ingested.