This evergreen shrub has woody stems with many branches that form a compact rounded habit. It has glossy dark green elliptical leaves and the red to pink funnel-shaped flowers appear in a small cluster above the foliage during mid-spring.

Hardiness zones 6 to 9

Rhododendron obtusumis naturally found in Japan growing in Kyushu or it was derived from hybrid of Rhododendron kiusianumthat is found growing in the woodlands in the lower mountains.

It prefers a full sun to semi-shaded position and grows in well-drained organic rich moist, very acidic soils with a pH 4.5-5.5 in a wind protected position and is frost and mildly drought tolerant.

Hiryu Azaleas are grown for their compact habit and a bright funnel-shaped flowers. They are planted in parks and gardens along borders or in rockeries and can be used as a container specimen. They are suitable for a low-mountain or coastal regions establishing in 4-5 years and is long-lived. There are many cultivars derived from this species with different flower colours and growth habits. ID 3694

Rhododendron(ro-do-DEN-dron) obtusum(ob-TEW-sum)

'Rhododendron': from Greek rhodon + dendron - rose tree

Ericaceae(er-ek-AY-see-ee)
Bilberries, Blueberries,Cranberies, Heathers, Heaths, Rhododendrons, Wintergreens