Azalea Fireball

A very striking Knaphill azalea, Rhododendron Fireball is a small to medium-sized, deciduous shrub with a bushy habit. The leaves emerge copper, turning mid-green in summer. Trusses of funnel-shaped, flame-red flowers with a faint orange flare appear in May. This cultivar needs minimal pruning. Azalea Fireball holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit, and is good on the edge of a woodland planting; it can also be grown on banks or even in soil-based, ericaceous compost in a large container. Must have acid soil.

Site: Sheltered
Soil: Moderately fertile, moist but well-drained, leafy, humus-rich, acid soil
Position: Best in partial shade; tolerates full sun
Season of interest: Late spring
Hardiness: Very hardy
Height: 5-8 (1.5-2.5m) Spread: 5-8 (1.5-2.5m) in 10-20 years