Red Pepper Aromi Azalea

Rhododendron Aromi hybrid ‘Red Pepper’

Plant Details

USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 6a-9b Find Your Zone

Plant Type: Deciduous Flowering Shrub or Small Tree

Height at Maturity: 6-8′

Width at Maturity: 4-6′

Spacing: 4′ for solid hedges; 10’+ for space between plants

Flower Color: Brilliant Orange with Red overtones

Flower Size: Large, 3-4″

Flowering Period: Early to Mid-Spring

Flower Type: Single, Trumpet-shape

Fragrant Flowers: Yes!

Foliage Color: Medium Green

Fragrant Foliage: No

Berries: No

Berry Color: NA

Sun Needs: Part to Mostly Shade, Dappled Shade, Morning Sun with Afternoon Shade, All Day Filtered Sun, Full Sun (See Cultural Preferences above)

Water Needs: Average, Lower when established

Soil Type: Clay (amended), Loam, Sand (amended), Silt

Soil Moisture / Drainage: Well Drained Moist

Soil pH: 4.5 – 6.5 (Acid to Slightly Acid)

Maintenance / Care: Low

Attracts: Visual Attention

Resistances: Heat, Humidity, Insect, Shade

Description

A rare selection, the Red Pepper Aromi Azalea is an outstanding deciduous rhododendron hybrid producing large clusters of deep red buds in early spring that open to brilliant, ruffled orange flowers with red overtones that fill the garden with a wonderful spicy aroma. Heat and humidity tolerance, vigor, fragrance, and unique color all come together for an absolutely stunning color display and sensory appeal in the garden!

Red Pepper is one of many Aromi Hybrid deciduous rhododendron selections developed by Dr. Aromi. In hopes that they might be enjoyed throughout a much broader range of the US, and especially for the hot and humid climate of the South, Dr. Aromi used native species as well as hybrids in breeding to develop this heat tolerant series with the same if not improved colors, vigor, and fragrance of our native deciduous azalea species. Though the Aromi are cross hybrids and technically not “full-blooded” North American natives, to keep things simple we list them in our Native Azalea category.

Landscape & Garden Uses

Growing 6 to 8 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide, Red Pepper Aromi Azalea is ideal for use as a specimen or in groupings in woodland borders or other areas of the landscape that provide moist but well-drained soils rich in organic matter. A fine selection for fragrance gardens, Azalea gardens, woodland gardens, red theme gardens, and cottage gardens.

Suggested Spacing: We do not suggest planting this beauty as a hedge however, if used in a solid row space at 4 to 5 feet apart; 10 feet or more for space between plants

Note: For our customers who live and garden north of USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 6a, where this Rhododendron variety is not reliably winter hardy, you can enjoy it in containers that can be moved indoors during winter and placed back outside when temperatures warm up in spring.

Growing Preferences

Red Pepper Aromi Azalea is very easy to grow in moist but well-drained soil of average to high fertility. Red Pepper performs well in full sun in the northern USDA Zones where it grows but will appreciate some shade or filtered sun in the afternoon in the deep South. Some suggest full sun tolerance throughout the zones where it is listed hardy, however, we always like to play it safe so as mentioned a break from direct afternoon sun in hotter climates. Once established plants are quite drought tolerant, requiring supplemental water only during prolonged periods of dry summer weather. Native azaleas are very low-maintenance, requiring little if any pruning. That said, occasionally we might prune a stray branch that is spoiling the natural form of the plant.

Helpful Articles

Click on the link below to find helpful advice from our experts on how to plant and care for native azaleas.

How To Plant & Care For Native Azaleas

We are proud members of the ASA

Plant Long & Prosper!

Meet The Wilson Brothers & Staff

Questions? Contact Us

Shipping and packaging were excellent. Plant is very nice and of good quality.—————————————————–We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! Thanks for the kind words and great review! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG

Your red pepper aromi azalea arrived soon after I ordered it- which is great considering how long I have had to wait for other garden supply companies from date of ordering to receiving the product. The Azaleas were well packed in moist soils and with beautiful green, well maintained foliage. The Azaleas were a good size for the container listed. After planting the azaleas, I have not seen any issues with the plants in the past several weeks- meaning that the plants were not overly stressed by the shipping process. All of the leaves that the azaleas came with have stayed green on the plant.———————————————————————We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! Thanks for the kind words and great review! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG

Plant arrived in excellent condition. Will be planting today.—————————————————–We are so glad you are pleased with your purchase! Thanks for the great review! Beth | WBG 🙂

Beautiful house warming gift.—————————————————–We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! Thanks for the great review! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG