Coral Bells Kurume Rhdodendron

The Coral Bells Kurume Azalea is a wonderful spreading shrub with small, evergreen leaves that is a glory of spring. Smothered in bright pink blooms, it grows between 2 and 4 feet tall, but spreads wide, often to 5 or 6 feet across, so allow room when planting. The leaves and blooms grow in graceful tiers, making a charming and bright display in your garden. Look closely at the beautiful small trumpet flowers and you will see that each one has a second bloom inside it, doubling the beauty of this gorgeous plant. Best grown in warmer zones, these distinct types of rhododendrons are hybrids created by early Japanese gardeners from plants native to Japan. So they are ‘must haves’ for any Asian-themed garden, but are equally at home around any home and in any style of garden. In hot zones they are great plants for pots, and perfect for terraces, patios and even balconies.

• Smothered in spring in abundant bright pink flowers
• Each bloom is two blooms tucked inside each other
• Neat, small, evergreen leaves make it beautiful year-round
• Hardy to warmer parts of zone 6
• Needs acidic soil for good growth

Plant your Coral Bells Kurume Azalea in bright light, all the way from full sun to light full shade – areas under open deciduous trees are ideal, but full sun is fine in all but the hottest zones. Well-drained, rich, moist soil is best, and it should have a pH value of 6.0 or less. Hardy to warmer parts of zone 6, it enjoys areas with hot, humid summers. It is also a great plant for pots, which can be left outside all winter in zones 8 and 9. Otherwise, bury the pot in the garden for the winter months. Use lime-free compost, pine bark or pine needles for bed preparation and mulch, and use potting soil for azaleas and lime-hating plants when growing in pots. Regular watering is needed, as these plants are not drought resistant. Generally free of any serious pests or diseases when grown in good conditions. Although not necessary, plants can be trimmed lightly immediately after flowering, if needed.