Azalea x 'ALADDIN SCOUT'

Among Japanese azaleas there are groups that originated as natural hybrids or were hybridized by botanists. Kurume azaleas were originally found in the mountains of Japanese island Kyushu more than 300 years ago. They bear large flowers but are hardier than similarly looking Indicum hybrids from southeastern parts of Japan.

Aladdin Scout is a great Kurume azalea with profusion of soft red, large flowers. It blooms from end May until early June. Evergreen leaves are medium sized, deep green, and narrowly ovate. It grows medium fast in all direction forming a rounded bush.

Azaleas can be clipped to shapes immediately after flowering. If so, do not use fertilizers enhancing growth rate. The size of new branches would get out hand and spoil the shape you are going to achieve. If can be placed in full sun if grown in excellent soil with equal moisture throughout the season. They need light, permeable soil that is acid, constantly moist (keep azaleas mulched at all times) and moderately fertile. Use fertilizers for rhododendrons and azaleas, or ericaceous plants. The best soil mix is 1/3 of peat, 1/3 of leaf-mould or lime-free compost, and 1/3 of soil from the hole where you are going to plant it. Azaleas have shallow roots, so do not plant not too deep. If leaves turn yellow or fall down after winter it is planted in wet or heavy soil. Hardy to min. -24°C (USDA zone 6).

Last update 31-05-2010