This evergreen ornamental shrub is valued for its deep red spring flowers, compact habit, and dependable performance in shaded gardens. Hershey Red azalea brings rich, dramatic color to the landscape, offering a bold focal point in woodland-style plantings and foundation beds.

In mid to late spring, the shrub is covered in saturated red, funnel-shaped flowers that stand out vividly against glossy, dark green evergreen foliage. The foliage remains attractive year-round, providing consistent structure and visual interest even outside the bloom period. Its naturally compact form fits well into residential landscapes without requiring heavy pruning.

Well-suited for home gardens, Hershey Red azalea performs best in part shade and acidic, well-drained soil with consistent moisture. It benefits from protection from harsh afternoon sun and is easy-care once established, making it a reliable choice for shaded borders, foundation plantings, and mixed shrub beds.

Why choose Azalea ‘Hershey Red’ – Azalea

Bold red blooms: Deep spring color creates strong contrast
Evergreen foliage: Provides year-round structure and interest
Compact habit: Fits well in smaller landscapes

Cultivating tips

Sun exposure: Part shade
Soil needs: Acidic, well-drained soil
Maintenance: Low; prune lightly after flowering if needed

Designs for your garden

Foundation plantings: Adds bold color and evergreen structure
Woodland edges: Thrives in filtered light
Shrub borders: Creates dramatic spring interest
Evergreen groupings: Maintains year-round presence

Ecological benefits

Pollinator interest: Flowers attract bees
Evergreen cover: Provides year-round structure
Reliable growth: Performs consistently in suitable conditions

Native alternatives

– Hibiscus moscheutos – Swamp Rose Mallow: A native perennial for moist soils that produces large, showy summer flowers and supports pollinators, offering bold seasonal color later in the year.

– Phlox subulata ‘Drummond’s Pink’ – Drummond’s Pink Creeping Phlox: A low-growing native groundcover with vibrant pink spring flowers, well-suited for edging, slopes, and sunny to lightly shaded garden areas.

– Rhododendron maximum Roseum – Rosebay Rhododendron: A native evergreen shrub adapted to acidic, shaded conditions, providing year-round structure and spring blooms in woodland landscapes.

Plant appearance may vary by season and growing conditions. All plants ship healthy with established root systems.