Azalea 'Herbert'( Gable Hybrid)

Herbert Azalea

Azalea ‘Herbert’ is a classic evergreen azalea prized for its rich purple-violet flowers and exceptional cold hardiness. Blooming in mid to late spring, the single to semi-single flowers create a bold, saturated display that stands out among evergreen azaleas.

The foliage is dark green, glossy, and evergreen, providing year-round structure. ‘Herbert’ forms a dense, low, spreading habit, making it especially effective for mass plantings and foundation use. It is widely regarded as one of the hardiest evergreen azaleas for northern landscapes.

Key features


Width: 4–6 ft



Height: 3–4 ft



Flower color: Deep purple-violet



Bloom time: Mid to late spring



Foliage: Dark green, evergreen



Form: Dense, low, spreading



Life cycle: Evergreen shrub



Growing conditions


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



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



Water: Moderate; consistent moisture preferred



Hardiness: USDA Zones 5b–8b



Azalea Zone: Zone 6a–6b (hardy evergreen classification)



Landscape use


Foundation plantings



Woodland edges and shade gardens



Evergreen mass plantings



Mixed shrub borders



Notes


One of the most cold-tolerant evergreen azaleas



Generally deer resistant



Mulch to keep roots cool and evenly moist



Protect from winter winds in colder sites



Prune immediately after flowering if shaping is needed

Plant type

Broadleaf Evergreen, Flowering Shrub

Height

3-4'

Width

4-6'

Hardiness zones

5–8

Sunlight

Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Late Spring, Spring

Flower color

Fuchsia

Leaf color

Dark Green

Fall color

Dark Green

Attracts

Butterflies, Hummingbirds

Soil

Loamy well-drained, Normal, Sandy well-drained

Landscape use

Container, Foundation, Mass Planting

Shape

Rounded

Bark

Smooth

Fruit

Yes

Drought tolerant

No