Shop With Confidence: FREE Growing & Glowing Promise

Free Shipping on Orders $199+

Hot Shot Girard Azalea

Rhododendron x 'Girard's Hot Shot'

Nature Hills Nursery
  • Girard Renee Michelle Heritage: Fiery Orange-Scarlet Blooms with Superior Disease Resistance
  • Thrives in Zones 6-9
  • Evergreen Year-Round Color and Privacy
  • Showy Red, Orange Blooms in Late Spring
  • Excellent Privacy Screen or Hedge
$3387
Shipping calculated at checkout.
In Stock
Plant not supported in Growing Zone.

Unfortunately, this item cannot be shipped to your state.

Shipping to your area may be delayed due to weather conditions.

Enter your ZIP code to check shipping availability.
Plant Size
Plant Sentry Protected

Plant Sentry™ Protected

Your order is protected by our compliance system that:

  • Prevents restricted plants from shipping to your state
  • Ensures plants meet your state's agricultural requirements
  • Protects gardens from invasive pests and diseases

Learn more about Plant Sentry™
Plant Characteristics Cold hardy, Compact/Dwarf, Flowering, Evergreen, Attracts pollinators, Container Friendly, Non-invasive
Hardiness Zone 4a8b
Sunlight Partial shade, Full sun
Height 2-3 ft
Width 2-3 ft
Watering Needs High
Preferred Soil Loamy, Peaty, Sandy
Growth Rate Moderate
Growth Habit Bushy
Blooms In Spring
Flower Color Red, Orange
Foliage Color Green
Pet Safety Toxic to pets
Suitable Space Indoors, Outdoors
Plant Name Azalea
Botanical Name Rhododendron x 'Girard's Hot Shot'
Species x
Cultivar Girard
Class Ericales, Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To AK, HI, ID, MT, PR, UT
C
Carol (United States)
Beautiful and healthy! Can’t wait to buy

Beautiful and healthy! Can’t wait to buy more!

Hot Shot Girard is such a reliable bloomer, and it sounds like yours arrived in great shape. If you do add more, they look striking planted in groups of three or five. Thanks for sharing, Carol!

B
Brandon (United States)
Plants are in great condition would order from your company again

Plants are in great condition would order from your company again.

Glad the azaleas arrived in good shape, Brandon. Hot Shot puts on a great show when it blooms, and with a little consistent moisture through the first season it should settle in nicely. We look forward to growing your garden with you again.

T
Teddy
Flowers

What a show this plant puts on when it flowers and the dark green foliage just adds to the picture!

Hi Teddy,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with the Hot Shot Girard Azalea! We’re thrilled to hear that its stunning flowers and rich dark green foliage have created such a fabulous display in your garden. Azaleas like these truly make a beautiful statement when they bloom, and it sounds like yours is thriving.

If you’re looking to keep your Azalea healthy and blooming year after year, be sure to provide it with well-draining, acidic soil and partial shade—both key ingredients for its continued vibrant growth. You might also enjoy checking out our Care Guide on azaleas, which offers tips on watering, pruning, and seasonal maintenance to keep your plant performing its best.

Thanks again for your wonderful feedback. Your enthusiasm truly brightens our day!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

T
Teddy
Flowers

What a show this plant puts on when it flowers and the dark green foliage just adds to the picture!

Hello Teddy Bear,

Thank you so much for sharing your delightful experience with the Hot Shot Girard Azalea! We're thrilled to hear that its vibrant flowers and rich, dark green foliage are making such a charming show in your garden. This variety truly shines when in bloom, and it's wonderful to know it has found a happy home with you.

To keep your azalea thriving, remember they prefer well-draining, acidic soil and dappled sunlight for the best flowering results. Regular watering, especially during dry spells, will help maintain their lush appearance. If you ever need season-specific tips or want to explore companion plants that complement your azalea, don't hesitate to reach out—we’re always here to help your garden flourish.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

L
Lenny
Evergreen plant

My Hot Shot Azalea is about the only thing that is green in my yard this time of year. The red flowers are so eye catching. I really like this plant.

Hi Lenny,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with the Hot Shot Girard Azalea! It’s wonderful to hear that this vibrant evergreen is bringing such beautiful color and life to your yard during the colder months. The bright red flowers really are captivating and can brighten up any landscape when many other plants are dormant.

If you'd like to keep your azalea thriving year after year, make sure it’s planted in well-drained, acidic soil and receives some partial shade—these factors help maintain its vibrant foliage and abundant blooms. Regular mulching and careful watering during dry spells can also support its health throughout the seasons. We also offer some great resources on azalea care on our website, so feel free to explore those for more tips.

Thanks again for your kind words and for choosing NatureHills.com for your gardening journey!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

L
Lenny
Evergreen plant

My Hot Shot Azalea is about the only thing that is green in my yard this time of year. The red flowers are so eye catching. I really like this plant.

Hi Lenny,

Thank you so much for sharing your lovely experience with your Hot Shot Girard Azalea! It’s wonderful to hear how it brings vibrant green and striking red blooms to your yard this time of year. Azaleas like yours are true showstoppers and can really brighten up any landscape, especially during those quieter seasons.

If you’re looking to keep your azalea thriving, make sure it stays in well-drained acidic soil and enjoys some partial shade — they really appreciate protection from the hot afternoon sun. Regular watering, especially during dry spells, will help maintain those lush green leaves and blooms. If you ever want to explore companion plants that complement your azalea’s festive colors, we’re glad to assist!

Thanks again for sharing your enthusiasm. Your azalea’s beauty definitely sounds like a bright spot in the garden!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

M
Mary
great small shrub

I bought 5 to put along one side of my driveway. Just be careful, I lost one where it was under a tree & did't get enough sun. They look great all year. Love them!

Hi Mary A.,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with the Hot Shot Girard Azaleas! We're delighted to hear they are looking great and adding beauty all year along your driveway. You made such a keen observation about the sun requirements—those azaleas definitely thrive best with adequate sunlight, and it’s understandable that they struggled under the tree shade. For future plantings, we recommend partial to full sun spots and well-drained soil to keep your azaleas flourishing. If you'd like, we’d be happy to suggest companion plants or tips to optimize your driveway landscape.

Thanks again for your thoughtful review, and happy gardening!

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

M
Mary
great small shrub

I bought 5 to put along one side of my driveway. Just be careful, I lost one where it was under a tree & did't get enough sun. They look great all year. Love them!

Hello Mary Ann,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with the Hot Shot Girard Azalea! We’re thrilled to hear that they’re bringing such vibrant beauty to your driveway. You made an excellent point about sunlight—azaleas really do thrive best with some morning sun or filtered light, so it’s wise to avoid planting them under dense tree canopies where shade is persistent.

If you find yourself wanting to sprinkle some more color in areas with less sun in the future, consider shade-tolerant shrubs like Dogwoods or certain Hydrangeas for those trickier spots. Also, gently pruning nearby trees to increase light can help ensure the azaleas continue to flourish. For ongoing care, regular watering (especially during dry spells) and applying an acid-loving plant fertilizer will keep them happy and healthy through the seasons.

We really appreciate your thoughtful insights, and we’re here whenever you need tips or assistance growing your beautifully vibrant landscape.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

T
T.m

Hello. I recently planted this in Chicago Illinois. The only spot I have is out in the open, full sun. I have mulch on them and water them regularly. Will this be ok or do I need to move them , it doesn’t get that hot here and we have a lot of cloudy days during summer. But we do have extremely cold winters I am worried it won’t survive. Please let me know and advise on how to proceed . Thanks-

Nature Hills Nursery

Hi there,

Hot Shot Girard Azaleas (Rhododendron 'Girard's Hot Shot') are indeed beautiful plants, and your concerns about their placement in Chicago are valid.

Here's how your current setup and the Chicago climate will likely affect your Hot Shot Girard Azalea:

Sun Exposure (Full Sun): While many azaleas prefer partial shade, the 'Girard' series, including 'Hot Shot,' is known for being more sun-tolerant than some other varieties. "Full sun" generally means 6+ hours of direct sunlight. The fact that you have cloudy days during summer in Chicago will definitely help mitigate some of the most intense heat and direct sun exposure. However, even for sun-tolerant azaleas, prolonged periods of intense afternoon sun can still be stressful, especially when first establishing. Signs of too much sun can include scorched leaves or a general decline in vigor.
Mulch and Water: You are absolutely doing the right thing by having mulch on them and watering regularly. Azaleas have shallow root systems and benefit greatly from consistent moisture and cooler soil temperatures, which mulch helps provide. Mulch also helps to retain soil moisture, which is crucial for plants in full sun.
Winter Hardiness: This is a key point for Chicago. Hot Shot Girard Azaleas are typically hardy to USDA Zones 5 or 6, which aligns with Chicago's typical Zone 5b/6a. This means they are generally considered cold-hardy enough to survive your winters. However, "extremely cold winters" can still pose a challenge.
Winter Burn: In full sun, especially during winter, evergreen azaleas like the Hot Shot can experience "winter burn." This happens when the sun and wind cause the plant to lose moisture from its leaves, but the ground is frozen, preventing the roots from taking up water. While the plant might be hardy enough for the cold, this desiccation can cause browning of leaves.
Protecting in Winter: To help prevent winter burn, especially for a new planting in an open, full sun spot, you could consider:
Anti-desiccant spray: Applying an anti-desiccant spray in late fall can help reduce moisture loss from the leaves.
Burlap screen: Erecting a temporary burlap screen on the south and west sides of the plant in winter can offer protection from harsh winter sun and winds.
Consistent winter watering: If you have an unusually dry fall or a winter thaws, make sure the soil is adequately moist before a deep freeze.
Do you need to move them?

Based on the information, your Hot Shot Girard Azaleas might be okay in their current spot, especially with your diligent mulching and watering. However, if they show signs of stress (scorched leaves, wilting despite adequate watering) during a hot summer, or significant winter burn, then moving them to a location that receives some afternoon shade (especially from 1 PM to 4 PM) would be beneficial.

For now, continue with your excellent care routine. Keep a close eye on the plants, particularly during peak summer heat and in the coldest parts of winter, for any signs of distress. If you see signs of stress, then consider either providing temporary shade or planning a move for next spring or fall.

Rooting for your garden's success, Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the best place to plant an Azalea bush?
  • Azaleas and Rhododendrons prefer partial shade (both dappled shade all day or morning sun with afternoon shade). Plant in a slightly acidic, consistently moist, enriched and well-drained soil location for best results. Their shallow roots dislike soggy soil but thrive with a 3-4 inch layer of arborist mulch over their surface.

How big does an Azalea bush get?
  • Hot Shots Girard Azalea can reach a 2-3 foot tall and wide rounded shrub form at maturity in optimal conditions.

Are Azalea bushes low maintenance?
  • Azalea and Rhododendron shrubs are very easy to grow and low-maintenance. Water during drought, prune only after flowering, and fertilize with an acid-loving organic, slow-release flowering plant fertilizer.

What is the difference between Rhododendrons and Azaleas?
  • All Azaleas are Rhododendrons but not all Rhodondendrons are Azaleas. Azalea tends to be smaller-sized with smaller leaves and stems, while Rhododendrons can be larger with stout branching and larger bloom trusses. There can both be either deciduous or broad-leaved evergreens.

How Do I Find Azalea and Rhododendron Bushes for Sale Near Me?
  • Make your life easier and your yard happier by shopping for Azaleas at NatureHills.com online nursery. You'll find a massive selection of flowering bushes for sale, including many lovely varieties! Choose the right shrub for your area by first finding your growing zone by entering your zip code in the field above the Plant Highlights section on our product pages. Narrow down your options by plant hardiness zone, sun availability, and size requirements. Place your order, knowing it's backed by the Nature Hills Nursery product guarantee and protected by Plant Sentry™, which helps ensure regulated plant materials aren't sent to prohibited areas. Expect to receive your plants at the appropriate planting time for your growing zone when temperatures are safest to ship through and into.
Back to top