Azalea Admiral Semmes

Admiral Semmes Azalea

Azalea ‘Admiral Semmes’ is a classic evergreen Southern Indica azalea admired for its large, fragrant salmon-orange flowers and bold landscape presence. Blooming in mid to late spring, the showy blossoms often display soft apricot and peach tones, creating a warm, luminous effect unlike most azaleas.

The plant develops a vigorous, upright to rounded habit with large, glossy dark green evergreen leaves, making it an excellent specimen or background shrub in mild-winter climates.

Key features


Width: 6–8 ft



Height: 6–8 ft



Flower color: Salmon-orange with apricot tones



Bloom time: Mid to late spring



Foliage: Large, dark green, evergreen



Form: Upright to rounded, vigorous



Life cycle: Evergreen shrub



Growing conditions


Sun: Part shade to light sun (morning sun preferred)



Soil: Acidic, moist, well-drained; rich in organic matter



Water: Moderate; consistent moisture preferred



Hardiness: USDA Zones 7b–10a



Azalea Group: Southern Indica



Landscape use


Specimen shrub



Large foundation plantings



Evergreen screens and hedges



Southern and coastal landscapes



Mixed shrub borders



Notes


Noted for fragrant flowers, unusual among azaleas



Best suited to milder winter regions



Mulch to keep roots cool and evenly moist



Protect from cold winter winds at the northern edge of its range



Prune immediately after flowering if shaping is needed

Plant type

Broadleaf Evergreen, Deciduous Shrub

Height

6-8'

Width

6-8'

Hardiness zones

7–10

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Fast

Bloom time

Spring

Leaf color

Dark Green

Attracts

Butterflies, Hummingbirds

Soil

Loamy, Sandy, Well Drained

Landscape use

Mass Planting

Shape

Broad Upright

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No