Azalea 'Hershey's Red' (Kurume Hybrid)

Evergreen Azalea, Hershey's Red Azalea, Kurume Azalea

Azalea ‘Hershey’s Red’ is a dependable evergreen azalea valued for its bright cherry-red flowers, compact habit, and excellent cold tolerance. Blooming in mid spring, the vivid red blossoms create a strong color accent in shaded landscapes and pair well with lighter-flowering azaleas.

The foliage is dark green, glossy, and evergreen, providing year-round structure. ‘Hershey’s Red’ forms a dense, rounded to slightly spreading shrub, making it well suited for foundations, mass plantings, and woodland edges. It is known for reliable performance in cooler climates.

Key features


Width: 3–5 ft



Height: 3–4 ft



Flower color: Bright cherry red



Bloom time: Mid spring



Foliage: Dark green, evergreen



Form: Dense, rounded



Life cycle: Evergreen shrub



Growing conditions


Sun: Part shade (morning sun, afternoon shade preferred)



Soil: Acidic, moist, well-drained; rich in organic matter



Water: Moderate; consistent moisture preferred



Hardiness: USDA Zones 6a–8b



Landscape use


Foundation plantings



Woodland and shade gardens



Evergreen mass plantings



Mixed shrub borders



Notes


Noted for good cold hardiness among evergreen azaleas



Generally deer resistant



Mulch to keep roots cool and evenly moist



Avoid hot afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch



Prune immediately after flowering if shaping is needed

Plant type

Broadleaf Evergreen

Height

3-4'

Width

3-5'

Hardiness zones

5–8

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Spring

Flower color

Red

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Dark Green

Soil

Moist well-drained, Sandy well-drained

Landscape use

Container, Foundation Plant, Mass Planting

Shape

Compact, Oval, Spreading

Bark

Smooth

Fruit

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No