Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Rhododendron x 'Hino-Crimson'
Hino-Crimson Azalea
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Height
- 2 to 4 ft
- Width
- 3 to 5 ft
- Flower color
- Brilliant crimson-red, single, funnel-shaped flowers with slightly darker throats
- Foliage color
- Evergreen, small glossy dark green leaves
- Bloom time
- Mid spring (April-May)
- Light
- Partial shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; remove spent flowers; prune lightly after bloom as needed
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 5 to 8
- Wildlife
- Flowers attract bees and other pollinators; evergreen foliage offers low-level shelter for small wildlife
About this plant
Rhododendron x 'Hino-Crimson' is a compact evergreen shrub with a dense, spreading habit and small, glossy dark green leaves that often take on bronzed tones in winter. In early to mid spring, it is covered with abundant clusters of single flowers in crimson-red shades. Each bloom is broad and flat, creating a vivid carpet of color that can nearly hide the foliage during peak flowering.
This cultivar originated in Japan and is valued for its floriferous nature and tidy form, 'Hino-Crimson' has become a dependable choice for mass plantings, low hedges, slopes, and foundation beds. Its early bloom time, evergreen structure, and strong spring presence make it especially useful in temperate gardens where reliable color is desired early in the season.
Works well in
Shade Gardens · Borders · Slopes & Banks · Woodland Gardens
Companion plants
Daphnes · Hydrangea · Coral bells · Solomon's seal · Oxalis · Hellebore
Design tip
Mass ‘Hino-Crimson’ in a broad sweep where its spreading habit can form a unified layer beneath taller shrubs. Repeating several plants amplifies the dramatic spring display while their dense evergreen growth keeps the grouping cohesive during the rest of the year.
