Ward's Ruby Azalea (Rhododendron 'Ward's Ruby') | Kurume Deep Red Azalea

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Ward's Ruby Azalea

Azalea kurume 'Ward's Ruby'

A classic Kurume azalea with rich, deep blood-red flowers and compact, slow-growing habit, perfect for small shaded gardens.

$49.00

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Description

Rhododendron 'Ward's Ruby' is a classic Kurume hybrid azalea prized for its exceptionally rich, deep blood-red flowers, compact size, and glossy, dark green evergreen foliage. This slow-growing, upright shrub produces an abundance of small, funnel-shaped, trumpet-like flowers in a stunning, deep ruby-red to crimson, often with a darker blotch in the throat, appearing in dense clusters in mid-spring . The small, leathery, glossy dark green leaves provide a lush, elegant backdrop for the vibrant blooms, creating a striking contrast. With excellent tolerance for partial to full shade, a tidy, upright habit, and reliable cold hardiness, it is an outstanding choice for foundation plantings, woodland gardens, shaded borders, mass plantings, containers, and as a low hedge.

Quick Facts

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Light: Partial shade to full shade (tolerates morning sun; protect from hot afternoon sun)

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Foliage & Flowers: Small, leathery, glossy, dark green, evergreen leaves; dense clusters of small, funnel-shaped, trumpet-like, deep blood-red to ruby-red flowers in mid-spring .
Mature Height: 36-48 inches (3-4 ft)
Mature Spread: 36-48 inches (3-4 ft)
Growth Rate: Slow
Hardiness Zones: USDA 7-9 ; Sunset 5-9, 14-24, H1, H2
Core Benefits: Rich deep blood-red flowers, compact slow-growing habit, glossy dark evergreen foliage, shade tolerant, excellent for small spaces.
Best Uses: Foundation plantings, woodland gardens, shaded borders, mass plantings, low hedges, containers, landscape accents.

Faqs

Q: How large does Ward's Ruby Azalea get?
A: It is a compact, slow-growing shrub, typically reaching 3-4 feet in both height and spread at maturity (about 2-3 ft tall and 3-4 ft wide after 10 years).

Q: How much shade can it tolerate?
A: It has excellent shade tolerance and can grow in partial to full shade. It tolerates morning sun but should be protected from harsh hot afternoon sun, which can scorch the foliage.

Q: When does it bloom?
A: It blooms in mid-spring, producing dense clusters of deep ruby-red flowers that create a dramatic, rich display.

Q: What soil does it need?
A: It requires well-drained, acidic soil with a pH of 4.5-6.0. Amend with peat moss, pine bark, or other organic matter to increase acidity and improve drainage.

Q: Is it a Kurume hybrid?
A: Yes, 'Ward's Ruby' is a Kurume hybrid azalea, known for its small leaves, compact growth, profuse flowering, and excellent cold hardiness. One of its parents is the dwarf 'Ruby Nugget'.

Q: Is it evergreen?
A: Yes, it retains its glossy, dark green, small leaves year-round, providing structure and color even when not in bloom.

📍 Primary Delivery Area · San Francisco Bay Area

Local delivery across the Bay Area — and beyond.

San Francisco Bay Area is our primary local delivery market. Victory Nursery also serves additional California markets and selected extended delivery areas by arrangement.

Regular local delivery: San Francisco, Peninsula, South Bay, East Bay, Marin, Tracy / Mountain House and surrounding service areas.

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