Azalea ‘Girard's Scarlet'

Azalea ‘Girard's Scarlet’: A Blaze of Spring in Evergreen Form

Bold and dramatic, ‘Girard's Scarlet’ announces spring with a saturated display of scarlet-red blooms that cover the shrub in mid-season. Each flower is slightly ruffled and luminous, creating a vivid contrast against the dark evergreen foliage. The compact, mounded habit makes it perfect for borders, foundations, or mass planting where a shot of spring intensity is needed. With strong cold tolerance and year-round presence, this azalea is both striking and reliable.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 75–90 cm (30–36 in)
• Spread: 90–120 cm (36–48 in)
• Flower Colour: Scarlet red
• Flowering Period: Mid-spring
• Foliage: Evergreen, dark green with bronze tones in winter
• Sunlight Requirements: Part shade to filtered sun
• Soil Requirements: Acidic, moist, well-drained, high in organic matter

Uses and Benefits: Ideal for use in shaded borders, foundation plantings, or massed along woodland paths. ‘Girard's Scarlet’ provides a rich pop of colour in spring and evergreen structure through the rest of the year. It performs well in cooler climates and offers excellent contrast in mixed plantings.

Care Instructions: Prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soil amended with organic matter. Water consistently, particularly during dry spells and the first growing season. Prune after flowering to shape if needed. Apply mulch annually to conserve moisture and protect roots over winter.

History: Developed by the Girard family in Ohio, ‘Girard's Scarlet’ is part of a series of cold-hardy evergreen azaleas bred for bold colour, compact habit, and durable performance in northern gardens.

Final Thoughts: For a vibrant red azalea that holds its own through the seasons, ‘Girard's Scarlet’ is a standout. It brings early-season drama and year-round beauty to the shaded garden.