shrub RHS Award

Hinode-giri Azalea

The Story

Plant Bio

Kurume azaleas are a group of compact, evergreen Japanese hybrids known for their profuse displays of small flowers in spring.

'Hinode-giri' is a classic, reliable Kurume azalea celebrated for its incredibly dense bloom of vivid magenta-red flowers that can completely obscure the foliage. Its leaves often take on a reddish-bronze hue in winter.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a breathtaking spring display, with flowers so numerous they often completely hide the foliage. The evergreen leaves add winter interest, turning a handsome bronze-red.

Its dense, mounding habit makes it ideal for foundation plantings, low formal or informal hedges, and massing on banks or in woodland gardens.

The abundant spring flowers offer a rich source of nectar for early pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

36 inches

Width

48 inches

Light

Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived evergreen shrub

Native To

Hybrid Origin (Japan)

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

Site in a location with morning sun and afternoon shade.
Ensure soil is acidic, rich in organic matter, and well-drained.
Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide.
Gently tease out circling roots and place in the hole.
Plant high, with the top of the root ball above the soil line.
Water deeply and apply a 2-3 inch layer of acidic mulch.

Pro Tip

Prune immediately after flowering to shape the plant and avoid removing next year's flower buds.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Maintain acidic soil conditions with appropriate amendments.
Provide consistent moisture, especially during hot, dry weather.
Mulch to protect its shallow root system from temperature extremes.
Prune for shape right after the spring bloom.

Don't

Do not plant in full, hot afternoon sun.
Avoid letting the soil become waterlogged or completely dry.
Do not cultivate deeply around the base of the plant.
Don't prune after early summer, or you will remove next year's flowers.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Mass planting for a sea of spring colorClassic foundation shrubVibrant accent in a mixed border

Companion Plants

Pieris japonica Kalmia latifoliaFerns HostaEnkianthus campanulatus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Hinode-giri Azalea questions

What zones can Hinode-giri Azalea grow in?

Hinode-giri Azalea is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Hinode-giri Azalea deer resistant?

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

When does Hinode-giri Azalea bloom?

Hinode-giri 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 Hinode-giri Azalea need full sun?

Hinode-giri Azalea does best in part shade.