Azalea 'Christmas Cheer'

Christmas Cheer Azalea

A much-loved evergreen azalea celebrated for its very early bloom, often flowering in late winter to very early spring. ‘Christmas Cheer’ produces soft pink flowers with darker pink throats, bringing welcome color when little else is in bloom.

Key features



Width: 4–6 ft



Height: 4–6 ft



Flower color: Soft pink with deeper pink markings



Bloom time: Late winter to early spring



Foliage: Small, dark green, evergreen leaves



Form: Dense, rounded mound



Life cycle: Evergreen shrub



Growing conditions



Sun: Part shade (morning sun, afternoon shade preferred)



Soil: Acidic, moist, well-drained; high organic matter



Water: Moderate; consistent moisture preferred



Hardiness: USDA Zones 7–9



Landscape use



Foundation plantings



Woodland and shade gardens



Evergreen mass plantings



Entryways and focal areas



Containers in protected locations



Notes



Extremely early flowering—one of the first azaleas to bloom



Generally deer resistant



Protect from harsh winter winds and late freezes



Mulch to keep roots cool and evenly moist



Prune immediately after flowering if shaping is needed

Plant type

Broadleaf Evergreen, Flowering Shrub

Height

4-6'

Width

4-6'

Hardiness zones

7–9

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Early Spring

Flower color

Red

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Green

Soil

Acidic, Loamy, Well Drained

Landscape use

Container, Foundation Plant, Mass Planting

Shape

Broad Upright, Rounded

Bark

Smooth

Fruit

Yes

Drought tolerant

No