Rhododendron 'Hino-Crimson', Hino-Crimson Azalea
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Broadleaf Evergreen Shrubs

Rhododendron 'Hino-Crimson'

Hino-Crimson Azalea

Ericaceae
Garden origin — Kurume hybrid group; parent species from Kyushu, Japan (Mount Kirishima azaleas)

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At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitMounding
FoliageEvergreen
Height2-4 feet (60-120 cm)
Width3-5 feet (90-150 cm)
Maturity10 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

5 - 9
Zone 5Zone 6Zone 7Zone 8Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts PollinatorsAttracts ButterfliesAttracts HummingbirdsContainer Friendly
Maintenancelow

Overview

Rhododendron 'Hino-Crimson' is Hino-Crimson azalea (Kurume azalea), a compact mounding evergreen shrub growing 2-4 feet (60-120 cm) tall and 3-5 feet (90-150 cm) wide. Crimson-red single funnel-shaped flowers 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) in clusters of 2-3 at branch tips in April-May (3 weeks). Glossy dark green small ovate leaves 0.5-1.5 inches (1.3-4 cm); bronzy-purple winter tones. In Ericaceae. A Kurume hybrid from Mount Kirishima, Kyushu, Japan. Hino = scarlet. Small flowers in large quantity — can completely cover the foliage. Slow-growing (8-10 years to mature). Shallow fibrous roots — mulch to maintain cool moist conditions. Contains grayanotoxin — all parts toxic. Not deer-resistant. Lace bug and azalea caterpillar are common pests. Acidic soil required (pH 4.5-6.0). Not drought-tolerant. Zones 5-9. Part shade. Growth rate is slow.

Native Range

Garden origin — Kurume hybrid group. Parent species from Kyushu, Japan (Mount Kirishima azaleas).

Suggested Uses

Grown in acidic shade borders, foundation plantings, mass plantings, and in containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L) with acidic mix, spaced 3-5 feet (90-150 cm). Crimson-red spring flowers. Slow-growing. Not deer-resistant. All parts toxic. Zones 5-9.

How to Identify

Identified by profuse crimson-red single funnel-shaped flowers covering a compact mounding evergreen shrub with small glossy dark green leaves. The crimson-red flower color and the small leaf size place this in the Kurume azalea group. In Ericaceae.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 4'
Width/Spread3' - 5'

Reaches mature size in approximately 10 years

Colors

Flower Colors

red

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

bronze
purple

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks
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Spring
Mid to late spring (April-May). Crimson-red single funnel-shaped flowers 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) in clusters of 2-3 at branch tips. 3 weeks. Hummingbird-, butterfly-, and bee-visited.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Crimson-red, single, funnel-shaped, 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm), in clusters of 2-3 at branch tips; April-May; the flowers can completely cover the foliage at peak bloom

Foliage Description

Glossy dark green, small, ovate, 0.5-1.5 inches (1.3-4 cm); bronzy-purple winter tones in sun-exposed positions; two leaf sets — larger spring leaves and smaller summer leaves retained through winter

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Partial Shade
Requires 3-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range4.5 - 6.0(Acidic)
357912
Soil Types
loamsandpeat
Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

8-10 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Part shade (3-6 hours — morning sun, afternoon shade). Well-drained acidic soil pH 4.5-6.0. Not drought-tolerant. Shallow roots — mulch 2-3 inches (5-7 cm) to maintain cool moist conditions; do not cultivate. Lace bug and azalea caterpillar are common pests. Not deer-resistant. All parts toxic. Zones 5-9.

Pruning

Prune immediately after flowering (May-June) — flower buds set in summer for next spring. Shape as needed. The compact mounding form requires minimal pruning.

Pruning Schedule

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late spring

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets and humans