Pollination Info for Girard's Crimson Azalea (Rhododendron girard X 'Crimson'):

Girard's Crimson Azalea is a hybrid azalea cultivar that is most often propagated through cuttings, rather than by pollination and seed production.

However, in the rare instances that pollination does occur, it is important to note that Girard's Crimson Azalea is a self-incompatible plant, meaning that it cannot pollinate itself.

This means that to properly pollinate Girard's Crimson Azalea, you will need to plant at least two other compatible cultivars nearby to provide the necessary cross-pollination.

Compatible azalea cultivars include those that bloom at the same time and have similar flower shapes. Some cultivars that are known to be compatible with Girard's Crimson Azalea include:

• Rhododendron 'Girards Fuchsia'
• Rhododendron 'Rosebud'
• Rhododendron 'Azalea Belle'
• Rhododendron 'Coral Bells'

When pollination occurs, Girard's Crimson Azalea will produce small, dry seed pods that will gradually ripen over the course of the growing season, usually falling off the plant in late summer or early fall.

Girard's Crimson Azalea (Rhododendron girard X 'Crimson') FAQ

What is Girard's Crimson Azalea?

Girard's Crimson Azalea is a hybrid cultivar of the azalea plant (Rhododendron). It was developed by crossing Rhododendron girardii with Rhododendron kiusianum var. obtusum 'Crimson'.

What does Girard's Crimson Azalea look like?

Girard's Crimson Azalea typically grows to be about 2-3 feet tall and wide. It has dark green foliage and produces beautiful deep red, slightly fragrant flowers in the spring. The blooms are about 2 inches wide and trumpet-shaped.

What are the growing requirements for Girard's Crimson Azalea?

Girard's Crimson Azalea prefers well-draining, acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 6.5. It also likes to be planted in a partially shady or dappled light area. Water it regularly but do not let the soil become waterlogged. Fertilize in the spring with an acid-forming fertilizer.

When does Girard's Crimson Azalea bloom?

Girard's Crimson Azalea blooms in the spring, typically in April or May.

How do I prune Girard's Crimson Azalea?

Prune Girard's Crimson Azalea after it has finished blooming. Remove any dead or diseased branches, and shape the plant as desired. Be careful not to prune too much, as this can affect the plant's ability to produce flowers the following year.

Is Girard's Crimson Azalea deer-resistant?

Girard's Crimson Azalea is generally not considered deer-resistant, as deer will often eat the flowers and foliage.

Planting & Care for Girard's Crimson Azalea (Rhododendron girard X 'Crimson')

Planting

• Choose a planting location that receives partial to full shade and has well-drained soil with a pH of 4.5 to 6.0.
• Amend the soil with peat moss, compost, or pine bark before planting if necessary.
• Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
• Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil, gently tamping down the soil as you go.
• Water the plant thoroughly after planting.

Care

• Water the plant regularly, especially during times of drought, to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
• Fertilize annually in the spring with an acidic fertilizer, following the manufacturer's instructions.
• Mulch around the base of the plant with pine needles, bark chips, or another organic material to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Prune after blooming if desired to maintain the plant's shape or to remove dead or damaged branches.
• Protect the plant from winter winds and frost by wrapping it in burlap or another protective material.