Stewartstonian Azalea

Stewartstonian Azalea (Rhododendron 'Stewartstonian')

Stewartstonian Azalea (Rhododendron 'Stewartstonian') is a hardy evergreen azalea admired for its fiery red-orange spring blooms and rich, mahogany-tinged foliage that holds its color through winter. A member of the Gable hybrid group, it combines cold hardiness with vibrant seasonal interest, making it a reliable performer in both northern and mid-Atlantic landscapes. Its bold flowers and foliage make it a standout focal point in foundation beds, mixed borders, and woodland edges.

Distinctive Features

This azalea grows 3 to 5 feet tall and wide, forming a broad, mounded shape. In mid to late spring, it covers itself in bright reddish-orange, funnel-shaped blooms that stand out vividly against the dark evergreen foliage. As temperatures cool in fall, the glossy green leaves take on dramatic bronze to burgundy tones, adding off-season interest. Its multi-season appeal and cold tolerance make it one of the most widely used evergreen azaleas in colder regions.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Thrives in partial shade; tolerates more sun in cooler climates with adequate moisture.
• Soil: Prefers acidic, well-drained soil high in organic matter.
• Water: Moderate; needs regular watering during dry spells, especially in its first few years.
• Humidity: Handles moderate humidity well when given adequate air circulation.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5�8; one of the more cold-tolerant evergreen azaleas.

Ideal Uses

• Foundation Plantings: Dense habit and evergreen foliage provide year-round structure and color.
• Focal Point Plantings: Vivid spring bloom and deep winter foliage create high-impact accents.
• Mixed Borders: Pairs well with spring bulbs, ferns, and other acid-loving shrubs.
• Woodland Gardens: A natural choice for lightly shaded, organic garden areas.
• Mass Plantings: Ideal for creating colorful spring hedges or screening in partly shaded locations.

Low Maintenance Care

Stewartstonian Azalea is low maintenance once established, especially when grown in suitable acidic soil with consistent moisture. Its tidy form requires minimal shaping, and its natural resistance to pests and diseases makes it easy to manage.

• Watering: Keep soil evenly moist, especially during the growing season and dry weather.
• Pruning: Prune lightly after flowering to shape or maintain size; avoid pruning after midsummer to protect next season�s buds.
• Fertilizing: Use a slow-release fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants in early spring.
• Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally resistant to common azalea pests and diseases when planted with proper air circulation.
• Winter Care: Mulch root zone in fall and protect from winter wind in exposed areas for best foliage retention.

Why Choose Stewartstonian Azalea?

Stewartstonian Azalea (Rhododendron 'Stewartstonian') offers standout color in spring and fall, paired with year-round structure and cold resilience. Its ability to light up shady spots and maintain form through all seasons makes it a dependable and attractive choice for landscapes across a broad range of climates.

• Fiery Red-Orange Blooms: Brilliant spring flowers add bold color to the garden.
• Four-Season Foliage: Evergreen leaves turn bronze-red in fall and persist through winter.
• Cold Hardy: A Gable hybrid known for thriving in Zone 5 conditions and colder microclimates.
• Low Maintenance: Naturally dense and tidy, requiring little upkeep beyond watering and mulch.
• Versatile Landscape Use: Works equally well in borders, foundations, and woodland edges.

For gardeners seeking color, structure, and reliability, Stewartstonian Azalea delivers enduring beauty with minimal effort in a variety of settings.