Rhododendron indicum

satsuki

Azalea satsuki

Technical sheet

curiosity

Starts to bloom later, whence its name: ancient Japanese “sa” = “five” and “tsuki” = “moon”, that is the fifth month of the Oriental lunar calendar, corresponding to June.

Characteristics

Acid-loving evergreen, brilliant green foliage turning dark in winter if exposed to severe frost; blooms at the beginning of May up until the beginning of June (one month later than the common azalea japonica).
Perfectly fit for being ball- as well as wave-shaped, thanks to its dense, small-leaved foliage.

Care

Loves well-drained, acid soils; if grown in the ground can stand full sun, provided it is well watered. Disinfect preventively from spring to autumn with insecticides and acaricides. Use slow release fertilizers enriched with EDDHA iron chelate and microelements.

Pruning

After flowering; can be pruned very moderately a second time at the end of August/beginning of September, provided care is taken not to remove the flower buds.