An indica azalea with large, frilled bright red blooms making a bold spring display in shaded gardens. Excellent as a feature or low hedge. All parts contain grayanotoxins and are toxic to pets and people.
At a glance
- Plant type: Shrub
- Mature size: 1.5 m H × 1.5 m W
- Aspect: part shade or morning sun and shade and low-light positions
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Red Wing Azalea
Rhododendron indica 'Red Wing' is a moderate-growing shrub in the Ericaceae family. It reaches around 1.5 m tall and 1.5 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Red flowers appear in spring.
Where to grow Red Wing Azalea
Red Wing Azalea suits warm-temperate, cool-temperate and subtropical climates and grows best in part shade or morning sun and shade and low-light positions. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Red Wing Azalea does best in acidic and free-draining soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool. For a screen, space plants about 90 cm apart.
Watering & feeding
Red Wing Azalea is regular, moderate watering. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Red Wing Azalea after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. It clips well, so trim two or three times a year for a formal finish. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Red Wing Azalea in the garden
Red Wing Azalea earns its place for a fast screen or informal hedge, a feature or specimen planting and pots and courtyard containers. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Red Wing Azalea with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering and warm-temperate climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants through the garden.
Good to know
Note that it is toxic to cats and dogs, so site it away from pets that chew. All parts can be toxic if eaten, so keep it away from small children.
Buying Red Wing Azalea
Plant Sale lists Red Wing Azalea as potted plants and advanced specimens. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it lands.