Azalea kaempferi Mikado

Mikado Azalea

Azalea kaempferi ‘Mikado’ is a vigorous semi-evergreen azalea prized for its vivid red spring flowers and exceptional cold hardiness. Blooming in mid spring, the single blooms open bright crimson-red with darker accents, creating a bold, high-contrast display that is especially effective in cooler-climate landscapes.

The shrub forms an upright, spreading habit with medium green foliage that may hold partially evergreen in milder winters, providing dependable structure and strong seasonal color.

Key features
Width: 4–6 ft
Height: 5–7 ft
Flower color: Bright crimson-red with darker accents
Bloom time: Mid spring
Foliage: Medium green, semi-evergreen
Form: Upright, spreading shrub
Life cycle: Semi-evergreen shrub

Growing conditions
Sun: Full sun to part shade (best flowering with good light; afternoon shade in warmer areas)
Soil: Acidic, moist, well-drained; rich in organic matter
Water: Moderate; prefers evenly moist soil
Hardiness:



Zone Low: 4b



Zone High: 8a



Landscape use
Cold-climate woodland gardens
Mixed shrub borders
Spring specimen plantings
Mass plantings for bold color

Notes
One of the hardiest red-flowering azaleas available
Excellent for northern gardens and exposed sites
Mulch to protect shallow roots and maintain even moisture
Prune immediately after flowering if shaping is needed
Stronger sun tolerance than many evergreen azaleas

Plant type

Broadleaf Evergreen, Flowering evergreen shrub

Height

5-7'

Width

4-6'

Hardiness zones

4–8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Bloom time

Mid Spring

Flower color

Red Violet

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Green

Soil

Acidic, Loamy well-drained, Sandy well-drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Border, Foundation Plant, Mass Planting

Shape

Rounded

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No