Plant Details

One of the most popular evergreen azaleas in the Northwest Rhododendron 'Hino Crimson' does not disappoint. It is one of the first azalea to start blooming often showing color in late March and continuing into April. The brilliant scarlet red single flowers are small, but profuse, almost entirely coving the shrub at peak bloom becoming a beacon in the garden. It tight dense habit gives a tidy compact look in the landscape and works well with the smaller urban garden. It can be used as a single bright punctuation in a planting or placed in drifts creating eye catching ribbons of red. The dark green shiny foliage of 'Hino Crimson' would make a good informal low hedge or can be used in combinations with other compact growers. Its overall form would work well with dwarf conifers or as a skirt around taller rhododendrons.

This azalea is easy to grow in the Pacific Northwest. Plant it in rich well-drained or sandy soil in a location with full sun to light or open shade. Azaleas are shallow-rooted plants requiring regular watering during dry weather. Faded flowers often drop off or are quickly covered by new growth. Almost no pruning is needed to keep azaleas looking good. Adult root weevils can chew on their leaves, but this is less of a problem on plants that receive more light and regular watering.

(Source: Great Plant Picks)