Azalea x 'ORCHIDEA EMPRESS'

Among Japanese azaleas there are groups that originated as natural hybrids or were hybridized by botanists. Most of these hybrids are late flowering plants which brings a whole new view on evergreen azaleas.

Orchidea Empress is a gorgeous name for a gorgeous azalea. It is another of late flowering hybrids, this time with bright pink, hose-in-hose flowers that appear from about mid June for 3-4 weeks. It is never the whole shrub blooming, individual buds burst out continuously one by one. It is not only the double flowers that attract attention. The leaves of this variety are an equally beautiful feature for which many growers use it as an evergreen plant where flowering is just a bonus. The evergreen leaves are widely elliptic, 3-5 cm long, deep green and rather mat. Orchidea Empress azalea forms an elegant, densely foliated cushion.

Azaleas usually need no pruning but can be clipped to shapes in early July 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. Hardiness tested to -21°C (USDA zone 6b) and is expected to go yet a little lower.

Last update 06-01-2011