Hino Crimson Kurume Azalea

Rhododendron kurume X 'Hino-Crimson'

Nature Hills Nursery

Prolific Dark Red Blooms Cover this Compact Hino Crimson Azalea Every Spring
Thrives in Zones 5-9
Showy Red Blooms in Early Spring
Perfect for Privacy Screen or Hedge
Pollinator-Friendly - Attracts Hummingbirds

$41²⁰

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Plant Size

#1 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Aim for four to six hours of morning sun followed by dappled afternoon shade. While more sun is tolerated in cooler climates, partial shade protects the delicate red blooms from fading and prevents leaf scorch during summer heat.
Soil: These plants thrive in acidic, well drained soil rich in organic material like composted pine bark. If you have heavy clay, plant your azalea in a raised mound to prevent the roots from sitting in stagnant water and rotting.

Watering Requirements

Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy during the first two years to help the shallow roots reach deep into the ground. Mature plants need deep soakings once a week during dry spells to prevent stress which often results in premature leaf drop. Think of the soil like a wrung out sponge that stays damp to the touch without being dripping wet.

Pruning Tips

This variety blooms on old wood, meaning it forms next year's flower buds shortly after it finishes flowering this year. Use sharp hand pruners to shape the plant immediately after the spring blooms fade so you do not accidentally cut off next spring's color. This timing acts like a post bloom haircut that encourages the plant to push out fresh, vigorous growth for a fuller look.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a granular fertilizer designed for acid loving plants in early spring just as the new growth begins to emerge. You can provide a second light feeding after the flowers drop to support branch development, but do not fertilize after mid summer. Avoid high nitrogen products late in the season because they stimulate tender new growth that will be killed off by the first winter frost.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Looking for a breathtaking display of the most amazing clear, dark red spring blooms? You've got to take a good, long look at the lovely, hardy Hino Crimson Kurume Azalea (Rhododendron kurume x 'Hino-Crimson'). It is just absolutely covered in long-lasting blooms and features extremely attractive summer and fall foliage.

Like many plants developed in Asia, there is a quintessentially graceful look to this compact mounded evergreen shrub. It's cloaked in deep, glossy green, small leaves that just peek through the prolific blooms to offset the wonderful dark red flowers.

The elliptic, olive-green foliage is small and dense, making a wonderful show all summer long. A lovely bronze overcast deepens in fall and is held through the winter. Kurume Azaleas develop many flower trusses in spring, and each one holds up to 3 flowers. No wonder they are prized for their showy flower power in early to mid-spring! These are eagerly sought-after by pollinators and hummingbirds looking for a spring treat!

Hino Crimson is one of the hardiest of the semi-dwarf, broad-leaved evergreen Azaleas! Famous for its incredible bloom production, it was introduced in New York in the 1940s and quickly became the #1 Kurume Hybrid Azalea planted. The long-lasting spring flowers are a sight for winter-sore eyes. But the orangey tint of the fall foliage is a wonderful autumn surprise! surprise!

Planting and Application:

One of the most popular of the Kurume Azaleas, these dense plants make incredible mass plantings to fill a large shaded area in your landscape. Plant 2 feet apart on center to achieve a solid hedge or expand the space to 5 feet apart for individual plants. Measure from the center of one to the center of the next.

Low hedges or mass plantings along the shady north side of the house create a wonderfully colorful spot in spring. Hino Crimson looks lovely near white marble garden sculptures, surrounding outdoor fountains, and edging a shrub border.

Run them along a woodland path to enliven the journey in spring. They'll remain attractive all year long and make a spectacular naturalized hedge or border.

Try Hino Crimson as a bold, dramatic addition to your foundation planting on east-facing walls. That lush, red color and sweet, mounded form will contrast beautifully against your existing foundation Yews.

We recommend you allow the Azaleas to fill in as they will, as there is no real need to shear these lovely shrubs. Bonsai enthusiasts should try these to create amazing living works of art. You can grow them in large containers for patio use, as well. Place one or more anywhere you need a burst of bright color in spring!

Stunning Crimson-Red Flowers
Profuse Bloomer
Glossy Olive-Green Broad-Leaved Evergreen Leaves
Pollinator & Hummingbird-Friendly
Great in Mass Plantings, Containers, Hedges & Foundations

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Plant Rhododendrons in part sun, giving your plants protection from the hot afternoon sun for best results. If you live in an area with high summer humidity, these will be able to tolerate a greater amount of sun. Buds can receive cold damage with late winter freezes. Try to look for locations with good air circulation and exposure to early morning sun to avoid spring freeze damage. The east side of a house is usually a good choice.

Lightly prune right after the spent flowers have passed. Otherwise, you'll risk trimming off next year's flower buds. With low maintenance and low care, the Hino Crimson when properly planted should have few problems. However, Hino Crimson does not tolerate poor drainage or high-pH soils. Plant high and in well-drained, acidic soil, rich with organic matter.

Azaleas like an acidic soil between 5.5 and 6 for best performance. Feed both in-ground and container plants each spring and in early summer with Dr. Earth Acid Lovers Premium and Organic Fertilizer. Choose an Acid Planting Mix like Dr. Earth Acid Lovers Potting Soil for container growing. Hino Crimson also prefers consistent surface moisture. It's a good idea to add 2 to 3 inches of mulch to keep the root system cool and cut down on evaporation.

Partial Shade
Moderate Consistent Moisture Needs
Well-Drained Enriched Soil
Cold Hardy Low Growing Azalea Variety
Thrives in Part Shade & Well Drained Soils

You'll fall in love with the brilliant crimson blooms of Hino Crimson Kurume Azalea. It's sure to become the centerpiece in your yard for years to come. We have a limited quantity, so order now. Treat yourself to this spectacular variety. Order today at NatureHills.com!

Botanical Name

Rhododendron kurume X 'Hino-Crimson'
Class

Ericales, Magnoliopsida
Species

kurume X
Cultivar

Hino-Crimson
Growing Zones

5-9
Height

2-3 ft
Width

3-5 ft
Sunlight

Partial shade
Growth Rate

Moderate
Flower Color

Red
Leaf Color

Green, Bronze
Fall Color

Orange
Bloom Period

Early Spring
Does Not Ship To

AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

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Growing Zones 5-9

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Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones is the Hino Crimson Kurume Azalea suitable for?

The Hino Crimson Kurume Azalea is hardy in USDA zones 6-9. This makes it one of the hardiest semi-dwarf evergreen azaleas available. Plant in partial shade with acidic, well-draining soil for best results.

What is the mature height and width of Hino Crimson Kurume Azalea?

Hino Crimson Kurume Azalea typically reaches 3-4 feet tall and wide at maturity, forming a compact mounded shape. This semi-dwarf evergreen azalea grows slowly and maintains its dense form naturally. Space plants 2-5 feet apart depending on your desired look, available at naturehills.com.

Does Hino Crimson Kurume Azalea grow well in my planting zone (e.g., zone 7 in Texas)?

Hino Crimson Kurume Azalea is one of the hardiest semi-dwarf evergreen azaleas available. It thrives in zones 6-9, making it well-suited for zone 7 Texas gardens. Plant in partial shade with well-draining, acidic soil for best results.

How much sun or shade does Hino Crimson Kurume Azalea need?

Hino Crimson Kurume Azalea thrives in partial shade to filtered sunlight. This hardy shrub performs best with morning sun and afternoon shade, especially in warmer climates. Plant it on the shady north side of your house or under high canopy trees for optimal bloom production.

How often should I water Hino Crimson Kurume Azalea, especially after planting?

Water newly planted Hino Crimson Kurume Azalea daily for the first 2 weeks, then 2-3 times weekly. These shallow-rooted evergreens need consistent moisture but well-draining soil. Check soil moisture by inserting your finger 2 inches deep. Shop azaleas at naturehills.com.

What fertilizer is best for Hino Crimson Kurume Azalea, and when should I apply it?

Use an acid-loving plant fertilizer with balanced NPK ratios in early spring before bloom time. Apply a second light feeding after flowers fade to support summer foliage growth. Choose fertilizers specifically formulated for azaleas and rhododendrons for best results.

How and when should I prune Hino Crimson Kurume Azalea?

Prune Hino Crimson Kurume Azalea immediately after spring flowering ends to avoid removing next year's buds. Light pruning works best since these compact shrubs naturally maintain their mounded shape. Remove dead or crossing branches and lightly shape if needed.

What is the true flower color of Hino Crimson Azalea—deep red or more pinkish?

The Hino Crimson Kurume Azalea produces true deep red blooms, not pinkish tones. The flowers are specifically described as "clear, dark red" with exceptional color saturation. This authentic crimson color is what made it the #1 planted Kurume hybrid since the 1940s.

How long does it take for Hino Crimson Kurume Azalea to ship after ordering?

Hino Crimson Kurume Azalea typically ships within 7-10 business days of ordering, depending on seasonal availability and your location. This hardy evergreen shrub is usually available for shipping from early spring through fall. Order early in the season for the best selection and fastest delivery to your garden.