Johanna Azalea (Azalea kaempferi 'Johanna')

Johanna Azalea (Azalea kaempferi 'Johanna') is a semi-dwarf evergreen shrub with dense, glossy foliage. Leaves emerge light green, mature to emerald, and develop a burgundy tint in winter. Masses of ruffled deep red flowers bloom in spring, attracting bees and butterflies.

Grow in part sun and rich, acidic, well-drained soil.

Growing details

• Plant type: Evergreen shrub
• Mature height: 3–4 feet
• Mature spread: 4–5 feet
• Spacing: Approximately 4 feet apart
• Hardiness: USDA zones 6–8
• Light: Part sun
• Soil: Rich, acidic and well-drained; listed pH range 5–6.5
• Flowers: Ruffled deep red blooms
• Bloom season: Spring
• Foliage: Glossy green leaves with burgundy winter tones

Care and garden use

Provide moderate watering and good drainage to help prevent root rot. Mulch helps keep roots from drying out. Keep away from the drip lines of trees in the walnut family. Test soil before adjusting pH. Excessively humid Southern conditions can increase problems with powdery mildew, twig blights, and rust.

Use in mass or specimen plantings, woodland gardens, borders, foundation plantings, hedges, or containers. Companion options include fatsia, October Daphne, and astilbe where growing conditions suit each plant.

Image credits: Ghislain118, http://www.fleurs-des-montagnes.net, Rhododendron 'Johana' 2, CC BY-SA 3.0; photo by David J. Stang, Rhododendron Johanna 0zz, CC BY-SA 4.0; Famartin, 2021-04-25 15 45 35 Johanna Azalea flower along Tranquility Court in the Franklin Farm section of Oak Hill, Fairfax County, Virginia and 2020-05-07 12 38 47 Johanna Azalea blooming along Tranquility Court in the Franklin Farm section of Oak Hill, Fairfax County, Virginia, both CC BY-SA 4.0. Plants naturally vary in appearance and may differ from the images shown.