A compact kurume azalea smothered in small, double hose-in-hose blooms of bright rose-red on a dense, low bush. Excellent for pots and low hedges. All parts contain grayanotoxins and are toxic to pets and people.
At a glance
- Plant type: Shrub
- Mature size: 1 m H × 1 m W
- Aspect: part shade or morning sun and shade and low-light positions
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Kurume Christmas Cheer Azalea
Botanically, Rhododendron kurume 'Christmas Cheer' is a slow-growing shrub in the Ericaceae family. It reaches around 1 m tall and 1 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Red and pink flowers appear in spring.
Where to grow Kurume Christmas Cheer Azalea
Kurume Christmas Cheer Azalea suits warm-temperate and cool-temperate climates and grows best in part shade or morning sun and shade and low-light positions. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Kurume Christmas Cheer Azalea does best in acidic and free-draining soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool. For a screen, space plants about 60 cm apart.
Watering & feeding
Kurume Christmas Cheer Azalea does best with regular, moderate watering. Refresh mulch and provide a modest balanced feed at the start of spring. New plantings need closer moisture checks in hot or windy weather, with watering tapered once strong new growth appears.
Pruning & care
Prune Kurume Christmas Cheer Azalea after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. It clips well, so trim two or three times a year for a formal finish. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Kurume Christmas Cheer Azalea in the garden
Kurume Christmas Cheer Azalea earns its place for pots and courtyard containers, a feature or specimen planting and a fast screen or informal hedge. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
Combine Kurume Christmas Cheer Azalea with plants that share its preference for regular, moderate watering and warm-temperate climate. Use an odd-numbered group where space allows, or repeat it at intervals through a longer bed.
Good to know
Note that it is toxic to cats and dogs, so site it away from pets that chew. All parts can be toxic if eaten, so keep it away from small children.
Buying Kurume Christmas Cheer Azalea
Plant Sale lists Kurume Christmas Cheer Azalea as potted plants and advanced specimens. Current stock is confirmed manually, so register interest above before planning around a specific size.
