Ward's Ruby Red Azalea

This azalea is found decorating various parts of the garden at Filoli.  It's called Ward's Azalea as it is a hybrid that was apparently developed by Toichi Domoto who was a business partner with Mr. Ward.  Both ran successful nurseries before and during the 1940's.  The story goes that along came Pearl Harbor and Mr. Domoto was interned, his business left to its abandoned demise.  However, Mr. Ward took care of Mr. Domoto's nursery while he was interned during the length of the war, and when he came back his nursery was doing business and in wonderful shape.  As a gift to his good friend and business partner, Domoto developed the Ward's Ruby Red Azalea in his honor.

It is a beautiful plant and flowers mostly in the spring.  Azalea is of Greek origin meaning dry or scorched.  This plant has the ability to grow and flower in direct sunlight - perfect for California ornamental gardens.

Enjoy!