Hershey's Red Azalea

Hershey's Red Azalea (Rhododendron 'Hershey's Red')

Hershey's Red Azalea (Rhododendron 'Hershey's Red') is a compact evergreen azalea admired for its bright scarlet-red blooms and consistent performance in a variety of climates. A standout Kurume hybrid, this cultivar provides early-season color and holds its neat, mounding form year-round. With a reliable bloom set and vibrant hue, it's a popular choice for foundational planting, borders, and massing in landscape designs.

Distinctive Features

'Hershey's Red' typically grows 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, maintaining a low, rounded shape that fits well into formal and informal garden settings alike. Its small, deep green evergreen leaves offer year-round texture and color, while its vivid red single flowers appear in dense clusters during mid to late spring. The color holds well in sun and remains one of the truest reds available among azaleas.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Partial shade is ideal; tolerates full sun in cooler climates with sufficient moisture.
• Soil: Prefers acidic, well-drained soils with high organic matter content.
• Water: Moderate; consistent moisture is key, especially during blooming and establishment.
• Humidity: Thrives in moderate humidity; ensure good air circulation in densely planted areas.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 6�9; adaptable across the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, and lower Northeast.

Ideal Uses

• Foundation Plantings: Compact shape and bright bloom make it ideal for borders along homes and buildings.
• Mass Plantings: Use in large groupings for a blanket of red in spring.
• Front of Borders: Adds spring drama to beds without overwhelming surrounding plants.
• Container Gardening: Works well in patio pots and decorative containers in partial shade.
• Formal or Informal Designs: Symmetrical form suits structured plantings, while vibrant color complements naturalistic styles.

Low Maintenance Care

Hershey's Red Azalea is easy to grow and maintain in appropriate conditions. With minimal pruning and seasonal feeding, this azalea will provide years of color and form in the garden.

• Watering: Maintain evenly moist soil, especially during flowering and hot spells.
• Pruning: Prune lightly after flowering if needed to maintain shape or encourage fullness.
• Fertilizing: Apply fertilizer for acid-loving plants in spring or immediately after bloom.
• Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally pest-free and resistant to most common azalea issues.
• Winter Care: Mulch in fall to protect shallow roots from winter freeze-thaw cycles.

Why Choose Hershey's Red Azalea?

Hershey�s Red Azalea (Rhododendron 'Hershey�s Red') delivers a vivid burst of red at the start of spring with a well-behaved, compact habit. Whether used as a single specimen or planted en masse, it offers timeless color and form for landscapes of any size.

• Striking Red Blooms: One of the truest reds among azaleas, ideal for eye-catching spring displays.
• Compact, Rounded Growth: Perfect for low hedges, borders, and foundation plantings.
• Year-Round Evergreen Foliage: Adds structure and color to the landscape beyond the bloom season.
• Low Maintenance: Requires little upkeep and performs well with minimal intervention.
• Great for Repetition: Uniform size and form make it ideal for symmetrical or mass plantings.

For brilliant red color, evergreen presence, and compact reliability, Hershey�s Red Azalea is a trusted choice for vibrant early spring impact and lasting landscape structure.