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Rhododendron x molle ‘Koster’s Brilliant Red’ | Koster's Brilliant Red Azalea

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DESCRIPTION
Rhododendron x molle ‘Koster’s Brilliant Red’ is a deciduous azalea that blooms in late spring, often May into June, with clustered trumpet-shaped flowers in reddish-orange to scarlet tones. The upper petals commonly show small red spots, and the blossoms open as the fresh green leaves expand. Flowers are sometimes lightly fragrant on warm, still spring days, followed by orange-red autumn color.

Raised in Holland by Koster & Sons and introduced in 1918, the name originally covered uniform seedlings repeatedly produced from the same cross, so plants sold under it can show slight variation. It remains valued for its late-spring trusses and warm flower color in woodland borders and mixed shrub plantings.

DESCRIPTION
Rhododendron x molle ‘Koster’s Brilliant Red’ is a deciduous azalea that blooms in late spring, often May into June, with clustered trumpet-shaped flowers in reddish-orange to scarlet tones. The upper petals commonly show small red spots, and the blossoms open as the fresh green leaves expand. Flowers are sometimes lightly fragrant on warm, still spring days, followed by orange-red autumn color.

Raised in Holland by Koster & Sons and introduced in 1918, the name originally covered uniform seedlings repeatedly produced from the same cross, so plants sold under it can show slight variation. It remains valued for its late-spring trusses and warm flower color in woodland borders and mixed shrub plantings.

  • Family: Ericaceae
    Height: 3 to 5 ft
    Width: 3 to 5 ft
    Foliage color: Deciduous medium green leaves with orange-red to bronze-red fall color
    Flower color: Reddish-orange clusters, often with red spotting on the upper petals
    Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
    Light requirements: Full sun to part shade
    Water requirements: Moderate
    Maintenance: Low; prune lightly only if shaping is needed
    Growing zone: USDA zones 5 to 8
    Wildlife attractors: Flowers attract pollinators

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  • Works Well In:
    ‍ ‍ ● Sun Gardens
    ‍ ‍ ● Borders
    ‍ ‍ ● Cottage Gardens
    ‍ ‍ ● Containers

    Companion Plants:
         Poppies              Milkweed
         Bee balm            Feather reed grass
         Rock cress          Alpine mint bush

    Design Tip:
    Thread ‘Koster’s Brilliant Red’ through a mixed shrub planting rather than isolating it as a single specimen, allowing its fiery spring color to appear in several places. The repetition draws the eye through the garden and strengthens its later autumn display.