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. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in. For a screen, space plants about 60 cm apart.
Watering & feeding
Kurume Christmas Cheer Azalea is regular, moderate watering. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
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
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Kurume Christmas Cheer Azalea with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering and warm-temperate climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm.
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. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it lands.