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Rhododendron 'Hinode-giri' (Hinode-giri Azalea)
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Shrubs

Rhododendron 'Hinode-giri'

Hinode-giri Azalea

Ericaceae
Garden hybrid origin (Kurume, Kyushu, Japan; introduced by E.H. Wilson 1918; most profusely blooming azalea; foliage disappears under flowers)

At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitMounding
FoliageEvergreen
Height2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 m)
Width2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 m)
Maturity6 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 'Hinode-giri' is an evergreen azalea reaching 2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 m) tall with a spread of 2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 m) and a compact, dense, rounded to mounding habit. A Kurume hybrid (a group of small-flowered, profusely blooming evergreen azaleas originating from Kurume, Kyushu, Japan), it produces single, funnel-shaped flowers 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) wide in bright magenta-crimson to cerise-red, so profusely that the foliage is completely hidden during peak bloom in April-May. The small, elliptic leaves 0.5-1 inch (13-25 mm) long are glossy dark green, among the smallest in the azalea collection. Growth rate is slow. Hardy to zone 5. One of the original Kurume azaleas introduced to the West by E.H. Wilson in 1918. The name means sunrise (hinode) giri (paulownia pattern) in Japanese.

Native Range

Rhododendron 'Hinode-giri' is a Kurume hybrid of Japanese garden origin, from Kurume, Kyushu, Japan. Introduced to the West by E.H. Wilson in 1918.

Suggested Uses

Planted in mass plantings, borders, or containers at 2-3 foot (0.6-0.9 m) spacing. The most profuse azalea bloom—foliage disappears under flowers. Historic 1918 Wilson introduction. Kurume type—small flowers, extreme profusion. Not suitable for alkaline soils, full sun, or dry conditions.

How to Identify

Distinguished from the Girard and Gable azaleas by the smaller flowers (1-1.5 inches versus 2-2.5 inches) produced in such profusion that foliage disappears—the Kurume azalea hallmark. Distinguished from 'Girard''s Crimson' by the smaller, more numerous flowers and the magenta-crimson (versus pure crimson) tone. The most profusely blooming azalea—tiny magenta-crimson flowers completely obscure foliage; original 1918 Wilson introduction.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 4'
Width/Spread2' - 4'

Reaches mature size in approximately 6 years

Colors

Flower Colors

red
pink

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks
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Spring
Single funnel-shaped bright magenta-crimson flowers 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm), produced so profusely the foliage is completely hidden, April-May. Bloom duration 3-4 weeks. The hallmark Kurume profusion—flowers per square inch exceed all other azalea types.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Bright magenta-crimson to cerise-red; single funnel-shaped 1-1.5 inches; so profuse foliage disappears; Apr-May

Foliage Description

Glossy dark green; very small elliptic 0.5-1 inch; among smallest azalea leaves

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
loampeatsand
Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-4 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in partial shade in moist, well-drained, acidic soil (pH 4.5-6.0). Hardy to zone 5. Slow growing. The very dense habit benefits from some air circulation. Mulch to protect shallow roots.

Pruning

Prune lightly after flowering to shape. The dense compact form rarely needs pruning. Avoid pruning after July.

Pruning Schedule

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late spring

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 2 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets and humans