Japanese azalea: secrets of a botanical jewel

Although the Japanese azalea is known for its spectacular spring blooms, one of its lesser-known secrets is that some varieties can produce additional flowers in autumn. This means you can enjoy its beauty for a longer season than you would typically expect from a spring-flowering plant.

Botanical name: Rhododendron japonicum (formerly known as Rhododendron simsii)

Common name: Japanese Azalea, Japanese Rhododendron

Family: Ericaceae

Origin: The Japanese Azalea is native to Japan and China.

Description:

• The Japanese Azalea is an evergreen shrub that can grow to between 0.5 and 1.5 meters in height, depending on the variety.
• Its leaves are small, lanceolate, and bright green. They are evergreen, meaning they remain on the plant year-round.
• It produces showy, funnel-shaped flowers that can vary in color, including shades of pink, red, white, purple, and orange, depending on the variety.
• Flowering usually occurs in spring, but some varieties may have additional blooms in autumn.

Basic care:

• Lighting: Prefer locations with bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, especially during the hottest hours of the day.
• Temperature: The Japanese Azalea prefers cool and moderate climates. It should be protected from severe frosts and extremely high temperatures.
• Watering: Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Avoid waterlogging, as this can cause root rot. Water sparingly, especially during flowering periods.
• Soil: Requires well-drained, acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 6.0. A specific mix for azaleas or rhododendrons can be used.
• Fertilization: Fertilize with a fertilizer specifically formulated for acid-loving plants once a month during spring and summer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can damage the plant.

Uses:

• The Japanese Azalea is prized for its showy flowers and is commonly used in gardening as an ornamental plant.
• It can be grown in pots or planters on patios, balconies and terraces.
• It is also used in Japanese-style gardens and in the creation of bonsai.

Things to keep in mind:

• The Japanese Azalea is toxic to pets if ingested in large quantities, so it should be kept out of their reach.

Interesting facts:

• Variety of Colors and Shapes: One of the most fascinating secrets of the Japanese Azalea is the wide variety of colors and shapes of its flowers. In addition to the classic shades of pink, red, and white, there are varieties with flowers in more exotic hues such as orange, purple, and yellow. The shapes of the flowers can also vary, from simple five-petaled blooms to double and semi-double flowers with multiple layers of petals.
• Extended flowering: Although the Japanese Azalea is known for its spectacular spring blooms, one of its lesser-known secrets is that some varieties can produce additional flowers in autumn. This means you can enjoy its beauty for a longer season than you would typically expect from a spring-flowering plant.
• Attractive to biodiversity: The Japanese Azalea is not only a beautiful ornamental plant, but it also attracts a variety of pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, with its nectar and pollen. This contributes to the biodiversity of the garden and promotes a healthy ecosystem around the plant.
• Climate adaptations: Another surprising characteristic of the Japanese Azalea is its climate adaptations. Although it originates from temperate climates, some varieties have been developed to withstand colder temperatures, making them suitable for cultivation in cooler climates or even areas with snowy winters.
• Cultivation as a bonsai: The Japanese Azalea is a popular choice for bonsai cultivation due to its compact size, dense branching, and ability to produce small, delicate flowers. Growing a Japanese Azalea as a bonsai allows you to appreciate its beauty on a smaller scale and create a living work of art that evolves over time.