This shrub is semi-evergreen, so it can lose some of its leaves in winter. In colder regions or more exposed gardens, it may lose them all, but then fresh new foliage appears again in spring.

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: moist, well-drained, humus-rich, acid soil or ericaceous compost
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: May
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Masses of small, funnel shaped, semi-double, bright red flowers in late spring and early summer, and small, dark green leaves. This compact, evergreen azalea is perfect for a shrub border with humus-rich, acid soil. A mass planting provides a fiery and colourful display, unrivalled by any other spring-flowering shrub.
  
  
• Garden care: Avoid planting too deeply. Apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of leaf mould around the base of the plant each spring.