Girard's Crimson' is an evergreen azalea (Girard hybrid) that features crimson red to purplish-red flowers, each with a vivid red blotch. It typically matures over time in a rounded compact form to 2-4' tall and to 3-4' wide. Single, funnel-shaped flowers (to 2 1/2" across) bloom in clusters in mid-season to late-mid-season (May).
Azaleas as houseplants do best at cooler temperatures, ideally around 60-65 F. (16-18 C.). Cooler temperatures will also help the blooms last longer. Keep them well lit, but out of direct sun.
If you don't test the soil, select a general, balanced fertilizer such as 15-15-15. The numbers refer to the proportionate amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in the product. The nutrient your azalea is most likely to need is nitrogen. This also encourages the shrub to grow faster.
Azaleas need a soil mixture of humus-rich loam with fast drainage and an acidic pH between 4.5 and 6.0. Sandy or clay-based soil can be amended to create more hospitable conditions as long as the site itself has good drainage.
When in bloom, keep them at around 55-60 degrees; blooms don't last as long in warmer temperatures. Azaleas will tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from near freezing to 90º plus. Low temperatures trigger re-blooming.
Azaleas growing in pots appreciate a moist but well-drained soil. Constantly soggy or wet soil can and often will cause root rot or other harmful plant diseases. When planting an azalea in a container or pot, we recommend using a quality potting soil or potting mix, or a 50/50 combination thereof.
