Azalea x 'EURATOM'

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.

Euratom is a Belgian Indica hybrid azalea with extraordinary deep red flowers. They are large and have conspicuous dots in the throat. Flowering begins a little later than on Japanese azaleas – in late spring. Sometimes it can produce a few odd flowers in autumn. Evergreen leaves are widely elliptic, almost flat, deep green and partly glossy. It grows slowly to medium fast which ensures dense habit, that is why it is popular for growing on short stems as a ministandard.

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. Azaleas 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. This azalea needs a semi-shaded location, protected from direct winter sun and freezing winds. Hardy to about -21°C.

Last update 08-01-2012