Azalea 'Girard's Hot Shot'

Girard’s Hot Shot Azalea (Rhododendron x 'Girard's Hot Shot') is a compact evergreen shrub renowned for its bold red-orange, funnel-shaped flowers that blanket dense mounds of foliage in mid-spring with occasional rebloom. Its glossy, dark green leaves offer year-round interest, turning bronze-red in fall in cooler climates. Preferring Canada Zones 5–8, it thrives in filtered sun to part shade and acidic, well-drained soils. Low-maintenance and heat-tolerant, it excels in borders, woodland edges or container plantings.

Key Features
• Botanical name: Rhododendron x 'Girard's Hot Shot'
• Common name: Girard’s Hot Shot Azalea
• Hardiness zones: Canada Zone 5–8
• Exposure: Filtered shade to part shade
• Soil: Acidic, organic-rich, well-drained soils
• Water needs: Moderate; consistent moisture
• Size at maturity: 0.9–1.2 m tall × 0.9–1.2 m wide (3–4 ft × 3–4 ft)
• Flower colour: Bold red-orange, funnel-shaped blooms
• Foliage: Glossy dark green, semi-evergreen
• Shape: Rounded mound
• Maintenance: Low; prune lightly after flowering
• Advantages: Heat- and disease-resistant; prolific spring display; suitable for containers and woodland plantings