Troubleshooting
Kurume Azalea 'Hino Crimson' problems — and how to fix them
Kurume Azalea 'Hino Crimson' (Rhododendron 'Hino Crimson') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Iron chlorosis (yellow leaves, green veins)
A sign of soil that is too alkaline for an azalea. Lower pH with elemental sulfur or an acidifying feed and apply chelated iron to restore green foliage.
Azalea lace bug damage
Lace bugs stipple the upper leaf surface silvery-gray, worst on sun-stressed plants. Inspect undersides for dark spotting, site in part shade, and treat infestations early.
Root rot in heavy soil
Phytophthora attacks the shallow roots in wet, compacted ground, causing wilt and dieback. Plant high in amended, fast-draining acidic soil and avoid overwatering.
Leaf gall in spring
Exobasidium leaf gall thickens new leaves into pale fleshy galls during cool, wet weather. Pick off and destroy galls before they turn white and release spores.
Prevent kurume azalea 'hino crimson' problems before they start
Most kurume azalea 'hino crimson' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for kurume azalea 'hino crimson' in general rather than its problems? Read the full kurume azalea 'hino crimson' care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Kurume Azalea 'Hino Crimson' problems — FAQ
Why is my kurume azalea 'hino crimson' iron chlorosis (yellow leaves, green veins)?
A sign of soil that is too alkaline for an azalea. Lower pH with elemental sulfur or an acidifying feed and apply chelated iron to restore green foliage.
Why is my kurume azalea 'hino crimson' azalea lace bug damage?
Lace bugs stipple the upper leaf surface silvery-gray, worst on sun-stressed plants. Inspect undersides for dark spotting, site in part shade, and treat infestations early.
Why is my kurume azalea 'hino crimson' root rot in heavy soil?
Phytophthora attacks the shallow roots in wet, compacted ground, causing wilt and dieback. Plant high in amended, fast-draining acidic soil and avoid overwatering.
Why is my kurume azalea 'hino crimson' leaf gall in spring?
Exobasidium leaf gall thickens new leaves into pale fleshy galls during cool, wet weather. Pick off and destroy galls before they turn white and release spores.