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16. Japanese Azaleas

A type of Rhododendron cultivar originating in Japan, sometimes misnamed “evergreen azaleas”

Rh Willie
Rhododendron 'Willy'
Photo:
Bjørn Moe

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These are best known as indoor pot-plants, in some parts of the world particularly at Christmas time, and sometimes misnamed “evergreen azaleas”. They are not always evergreen and are by no means close relatives of garden azaleas. However, they have played a major role in Japanese and East-Asian garden culture, as reflected in the name.

There are several different types which are traditionally given special names. The classic Kurume-azaleas originate from the island of Kyushu in southernmost Japan and are not hardy in our region. One of the best is ‘Hinomayo’. Of the famous hundred selected by Wilson, ‘Geisha Orange’ is the best.

Fortunately, hardier cultivars have been bred, particularly in the USA, e.g. the large-flowered

Gable-hybrids resulting from crossing with the hardy Rhododendron poukhanense. In Germany, they have mostly used another hardy species, R. kiusianum, which has given the small-flowered and floriferous Diamond-azaleas and was also used in breeding the wonderful, white Scottish ‘Panda’ (from Peter Cox). The bright-flowered R. kaempferi has also proved to be a useful parent, producing some hardy cultivars, such as the sumptuous ‘Willy’.

Japanese azaleas are less common in gardens in our region, perhaps because they demand heat and full sunshine, are not dependent on peat and require good drainage

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