Girard Azaleas have been around for quite a while and seem to us to be able to handle the heat in our zone better than some of the newer varieties. The Stewartstonian Azalea is a broadleaf evergreen shrub that has bright, red-orange trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom in the spring. Glossy, deep-green foliage provides a nice contrast against the flowers. By fall, the leaves turn a reddish-chocolate hue. Old leaves drop during the winter but will be replaced by mahogany-colored foliage in the spring. This is a slow-growing plant that will be covered in flowers during the spring. Also, Girard Azaleas originated in Geneva, Ohio.

The foliage is green to dark purple and it will become approximately 5-6' tall and 4-5' wide at maturity. The large ruffled blooms are a full 2 inches across.

As with most Azaleas, Stewartsonia prefers to be planted in amended, well-drained soil. Prune in the spring after flowering if necessary. She can handle more sun than some of the newer Azalea varieties. Water well until established and during dry spells. Enrich the soil with organic material like peat moss or rotted oak leaves since Azaleas like to be fertilized and are acid loving plants.

Dangerous if ingested by pets but deer do line to snack on them!