shrub

Hershey's Red Evergreen Azalea

The Story

Plant Bio

A compact, evergreen azalea of the Kurume hybrid group, known for its dense growth habit and profuse flowering. It forms a low, mounding shrub.

'Hershey's Red' is famous for its spectacular display of vivid, crimson-red, hose-in-hose flowers. The sheer number of blooms can completely cover the foliage, creating a solid mass of color.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides an absolutely stunning, traffic-stopping display of brilliant red flowers in mid-spring. Its compact, evergreen form is attractive year-round.

Ideal for foundation plantings due to its manageable size. Excellent for creating low, informal hedges or for massing on shaded slopes for a dramatic effect.

The abundant flowers attract a wide range of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, providing a vital nectar source.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

48 inches

Width

48 inches

Light

Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Hybrid (Kurume)

Toxicity

All parts are toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Mid-spring – Late spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with morning sun and afternoon shade.
Ensure the soil is acidic, rich, and drains well.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the pot and just as deep.
Set the plant so its root ball top is slightly above soil level.
Backfill with amended soil, firm gently, and water deeply.
Mulch with pine needles or shredded bark.

Pro Tip

Plant in groups or masses for an unparalleled visual impact when the entire planting explodes in a sea of red.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly, especially during establishment and dry spells.
Maintain acidic soil conditions.
Prune immediately after flowering.

Don't

Do not plant too deep.
Avoid letting the shallow roots dry out.
Don't prune late in the season.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Vibrant mass plantingColorful foundation shrubBright accent in mixed borders

Companion Plants

Pieris japonica Kalmia latifolia Hosta Dicentra spectabilis Hakonechloa macra

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Hershey's Red Evergreen Azalea questions

What zones can Hershey's Red Evergreen Azalea grow in?

Hershey's Red Evergreen Azalea is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Hershey's Red Evergreen Azalea deer resistant?

Yes — Hershey's Red Evergreen Azalea is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Hershey's Red Evergreen Azalea bloom?

Hershey's Red Evergreen Azalea typically blooms in mid-spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Hershey's Red Evergreen Azalea need full sun?

Hershey's Red Evergreen Azalea does best in part shade.