George L. Taber Azalea
Grow classic Southern azaleas with reliable, orchid-pink spring blooms
About George L. Taber Azalea
George L. Taber azaleas are classic Southern Indica shrubs prized for their large orchid-pink blooms with a distinctive dark blotch on the upper petal. They're reliable, evergreen, and reach 6-10 feet tall at maturity. These plants bring traditional Southern garden charm to yards across zones 7-10, especially in the Deep South.
This site covers everything you need to grow George L. Taber azaleas well. Learn where to plant them, how to water and care for them through the seasons, how to handle common problems, and what to look for when buying a healthy plant. We focus on practical, proven methods that keep these shrubs thriving.
Buy George L. Taber Azalea
Nursery-grown plants shipped in their container, with our planting and care guides to go with them.
From $29.99
Sizes: 1 Gallon, 3 Gallon
Shop George L. Taber AzaleaQuick facts
- USDA zones
- 7-10 (most reliable and widely planted in 8-9)
- Mature height
- 6-10 ft (some older specimens in the Deep South reach 10-12 ft)
- Mature width
- 6-10 ft
- Sun
- part shade to filtered sun; morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal, especially in hotte
- Water
- moderate, consistent moisture; not drought tolerant once established, shallow roots dry ou
- Bloom time
- mid to late spring (March-April in the Deep South, into May further north in its range)
- Bloom color
- light orchid-pink with a darker reddish-purple/magenta blotch on the upper petal
- Growth rate
- moderate, roughly 6-12 inches per year once established
- Deer resistance
- poor; azaleas are a preferred deer browse in most regions
- Plant type
- evergreen shrub
- Classic Southern Indica azalea bred at Glen Saint Mary Nurseries, Florida
- Large orchid-pink blooms with a signature darker blotch
- Evergreen shrub reaching 6-10 ft tall and wide at maturity
- Best in part shade with acidic, well-drained soil
- Prune only right after spring bloom to preserve next year's flowers
- Toxic if ingested by pets or people
- Hardy USDA zones 7-10, most reliable in 8-9
Growing guides
Core guideGeorge L. Taber Azalea Care Guide: The Complete Basics
Master George L. Taber azalea care with this complete growing guide. Learn planting, watering, soil prep, pruning, and seasonal maintenance.
Core guideHow to Plant a George L. Taber Azalea the Right Way
How to plant a George L. Taber Azalea correctly: timing, soil, depth, and location guide for reliable orchid-pink spring blooms.
Core guideGeorge L. Taber Azalea Hardiness Zones: Where It Thrives
Discover where George L. Taber azalea grows best. Learn USDA hardiness zones 7-10, planting tips, winter care, and zone-specific advice.
Core guideHow Big Does a George L. Taber Azalea Really Get?
George L. Taber azalea mature size: 6-10 feet tall and wide. Read our FAQ on growth rate, spacing, and timeline to full size.
Core guideGeorge L. Taber Azalea Buying Guide: Which Size to Choose
Buy George L. Taber Azalea: compare quart, 1-gallon, and 3-gallon sizes. Learn what to look for and find the right container for your landsc
Plant specificGeorge L. Taber Azalea Bloom Time and Flower Color Guide
Learn when George L. Taber Azaleas bloom and discover their signature light orchid-pink flowers with reddish-purple blotch. Complete bloom t
Core guideSun Requirements for George L. Taber Azalea Explained
Learn how much sun George L. Taber azaleas need. Expert tips on part shade placement, morning sun angles, and avoiding lace bugs in full sun
Core guideWatering George L. Taber Azalea: A Complete How-To
Learn how to water George L. Taber Azaleas correctly: step-by-step techniques for new and established plants, seasonal adjustments, and drou
Core guideBest Soil for George L. Taber Azalea: pH and Drainage
Best soil for George L. Taber Azalea: acidic, well-drained mix with pH 4.5-6.0. Learn drainage requirements and soil amendments.
Core guideCommon George L. Taber Azalea Problems and How to Fix Them
Fix common George L. Taber Azalea problems like lace bugs, root rot, and yellowing. Learn pest and disease treatment strategies for healthy
Core guideLandscape Ideas for George L. Taber Azalea in Your Yard
7 landscape ideas for George L. Taber Azalea: foundation planting, hedges, mass plantings, companion shrubs, and design tips for zones 7-10.
Plant specificGeorge L. Taber Azalea vs Formosa Azalea: Key Differences
Compare George L. Taber vs Formosa azalea: bloom color, size, growing zones, hardiness. Which Southern Indica hybrid fits your garden?
George L. Taber Azalea questions
How big does a George L. Taber Azalea get?
At maturity it typically reaches 6-10 feet tall and equally wide, though some older Deep South specimens grow larger.
When should I prune my George L. Taber Azalea?
Prune right after it finishes blooming in spring. It sets next year's flower buds shortly afterward, so pruning in summer or fall removes next season's blooms.
Is George L. Taber Azalea toxic to dogs or cats?
Yes. Like other azaleas, it contains grayanotoxins and is toxic to pets and people if ingested.
What kind of light does it need?
Part shade with morning sun and afternoon shade is ideal; too much hot afternoon sun can stress the foliage, especially in warmer zones.