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 obtusum is naturally found in Japan growing in Kyushu or it was derived from hybrid of Rhododendron kiusianum that 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