A deciduous mollis azalea bearing trusses of glowing orange-red trumpet blooms on bare stems in spring, followed by fiery autumn foliage. A cold-climate favourite. All parts contain grayanotoxins and are toxic to pets and people.
At a glance
- Plant type: Shrub
- Mature size: 1.5 m H × 1.2 m W
- Aspect: part shade or morning sun and full sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Koster's Brilliant Red Azalea
Botanically, Rhododendron mollis 'Koster's Brilliant Red' is a moderate-growing shrub in the Ericaceae family. It reaches around 1.5 m tall and 1.2 m wide at maturity, with deciduous and rich in autumn colour foliage. Orange and red flowers appear in spring.
Where to grow Koster's Brilliant Red Azalea
Koster's Brilliant Red Azalea suits cool-temperate and warm-temperate climates and grows best in part shade or morning sun and full sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Koster's Brilliant Red Azalea does best in acidic and free-draining soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Koster's Brilliant Red 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 Koster's Brilliant Red Azalea after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Koster's Brilliant Red Azalea in the garden
Koster's Brilliant Red Azalea earns its place for a feature or specimen planting, pots and courtyard containers and its fragrance. 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 Koster's Brilliant Red Azalea with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering and cool-temperate climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm.
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 Koster's Brilliant Red Azalea
Plant Sale lists Koster's Brilliant Red 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 we have it ready.