Red Demon Azalea

Name: Red Demon Azalea
Brand: Nature Hills Nursery
SKU: 12593
Price: 95.4 USD
Availability: InStock

Rhododendron 'Red Demon'

Nature Hills Nursery

$95⁴⁰

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In Stock

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Find your Growing Zone

Plant Size

#3 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Aim for 4 to 6 hours of direct sun, preferably in the morning with protection from scorching afternoon rays. While it tolerates partial shade well, too much shade significantly reduces the abundance of those fiery red blooms.
Soil: These shallow-rooted shrubs demand acidic, well-draining soil with a pH between 4.5 and 6.0. If you have heavy clay, raise the planting bed and amend with pine bark to prevent root rot; for sandy sites, mix in peat moss to hold essential moisture.

Watering Requirements

Because azaleas have shallow, fibrous roots, they are prone to drying out and need consistent moisture to establish. Water deeply twice a week during the first season, increasing frequency during hot spells to keep the soil cool and damp like a wrung-out sponge. If water is inconsistent, the plant will stress quickly, resulting in wilted foliage and a disappointing flower show.

Pruning Tips

Red Demon Azaleas bloom on "old wood," so you must prune immediately after the spring flowers fade. Trimming later in the year will accidentally remove the buds setting for next year's display. Think of it like a light shaping: just snip stray branches back to a leaf node to keep the mound neat and encourage denser growth.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a granular fertilizer made for acid-loving plants (often labeled for Hollies or Rhododendrons) once in early spring. Do not fertilize after July, as the resulting tender new growth will not harden off in time for winter and could suffer freeze damage.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Red Demon Azalea – A Fiery Burst of Spring Color

The blazing Red Demon Azalea (Rhododendron 'Red Demon') is a stunning deciduous Azalea that explodes with intensely fiery red blooms in mid to late spring. Its saturated bright red trumpet-shaped flowers, clustered in abundant groups, create a breathtaking display against its fresh green foliage!

As the seasons change, its foliage takes on warm golden hues in fall, adding multi-season interest to your garden. With its compact size, cold hardiness, and striking color, Red Demon Azalea is the perfect showpiece for any landscape!

Why You'll Love Red Demon Azalea

Early Spring Color – A burst of color to wake up the landscape from winter's hold! Plus a longer bloom time than other Azaleas.
Fiery Red Blooms – Vivid, deep red flowers appear in profusion, making a bold spring statement.
Compact & Manageable Size – Grows 4-5 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide, making it ideal for small gardens and foundation plantings.
Deciduous Foliage – Offers year-round interest, with fresh green spring foliage turning golden in fall.
Pollinator-Friendly – Attracts bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies, making it a lively addition to any garden.

Where to Plant Red Demon Azalea

This versatile, high-impact shrub fits beautifully into many landscape designs:

Foundation Plantings – Adds vibrant spring color near homes and entryways.
Woodland & Shade Gardens – Thrives in dappled shade alongside ferns and hostas.
Mixed Borders & Shrub Gardens – Pairs beautifully with Rhododendrons, Evergreens, and other Azaleas.
Pollinator Gardens – Provides a rich nectar source for early-season pollinators.
Containers & Small Spaces – Its compact size makes it a great fit for patio planters.
Mass Plantings & Hedges – Creates a stunning seasonal display when planted in groups.

Care & Maintenance

This hardy yet elegant shrub thrives with minimal maintenance.

Sunlight: Prefers partial shade to filtered sunlight; avoid harsh afternoon sun in hot climates.
Soil: Loves acidic, well-draining, moist soil with plenty of organic matter.
Watering: Keep soil evenly moist, especially in dry spells; mulch helps retain moisture.
Mulching: Apply a 3-4 inch layer of mulch around the base to maintain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Pruning: Lightly prune to shape after blooming if needed; avoid heavy pruning, as next year's buds form soon after flowering.
Fertilizing: Apply an acid-loving plant fertilizer in early spring to encourage vigorous growth and flowering.

Cold Hardy & Heat Tolerant – Thrives in USDA Zones 4-7, handling both cooler and warmer climates.
Deer & Rabbit Resistant – Less appealing to browsing wildlife, making it a reliable choice for open landscapes.
Low Maintenance & Easy to Grow – Requires little upkeep once established.

Set Your Garden Ablaze With Red Demon Azalea!

With its intense red blooms, easy care, and compact size, the Red Demon Azalea is a must-have for gardeners looking to add fiery color and seasonal interest to their landscape.

This dazzling Azalea is sure to turn heads and welcome spring in spectacular fashion. Order yours today and bring the fiery brilliance of Red Demon Azalea to your garden!

Botanical Name

Rhododendron 'Red Demon'
Class
- Ericales
- Magnoliopsida
Species

hybrid
Cultivar

Red Demon
Growing Zones

4-7
Height

4-5 ft
Width

3-4 ft
Sunlight
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Growth Rate

Moderate
Flower Color
- Red
Leaf Color
- Green
- Bronze
Fall Color

Purple
Bloom Period

Late Spring
Does Not Ship To

AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

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Growing Zones 4-7

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Red Demon Azalea require acidic soil, and what pH level is ideal?

Red Demon Azalea thrives in acidic soil with a pH between 4.5-6.0, like most azaleas. Plant in well-draining, organic-rich soil and avoid alkaline conditions which can cause yellowing leaves. Test your soil pH and amend with sulfur or peat moss if needed to maintain proper acidity.

How often should I water Red Demon Azalea, especially during establishment?

Water newly planted Red Demon Azalea deeply 2-3 times per week during its first growing season. Once established, this compact 4-5 foot shrub needs consistent moisture but not soggy soil. Check soil moisture regularly and water when the top inch feels dry.

What fertilizer should I use for Red Demon Azalea, and when?

Use an acid-loving plant fertilizer with a balanced NPK ratio in early spring before the mid to late spring bloom period. Azaleas prefer acidic soil, so choose fertilizers specifically formulated for rhododendrons and azaleas. Apply again after flowering ends to support next year's bud development.

Is Red Demon Azalea cold hardy in zone 4 winters?

Red Demon Azalea is cold hardy and well-suited for zone 4 winters. This deciduous azalea's compact 4-5 foot mature size and proven cold tolerance make it reliable in harsh climates. Plant in a protected spot with partial shade for best winter survival.

Can Red Demon Azalea tolerate heat and urban pollution?

Red Demon Azalea has moderate heat tolerance but prefers protection from harsh afternoon sun and hot climates. Like most azaleas, it's not ideal for high-pollution urban areas. Plant in partial shade with good air circulation for best results, available at naturehills.com.

When is the best time to prune Red Demon Azalea for next year's blooms?

Prune Red Demon Azalea immediately after its mid to late spring bloom period ends. Since azaleas set next year's buds in summer, late pruning reduces flowering. Trim lightly to maintain its natural 4-5 foot shape and remove any dead or crossing branches.

Is Red Demon Azalea deer or rabbit resistant?

Red Demon Azalea is not deer or rabbit resistant, as these animals typically browse on azaleas and rhododendrons. The tender spring foliage and flower buds are particularly appealing to wildlife. Consider fencing or repellent sprays if deer or rabbits are common in your area.

What are your shipping restrictions and guarantees for Red Demon Azalea plants?

Red Demon Azalea ships nationwide with restrictions to certain states due to agricultural regulations. All plants come with a one-year guarantee when planted in appropriate zones and conditions. Check your local restrictions before ordering, and plant in partial shade for best results.