Azalea 'FIREBALL'

Deciduous azaleas are probably the most striking flowering shrubs. Their colours are vivid and bright, and often have the shades that not many rhododendrons can offer. They need full sun.

Fireball is one of the most sought-after deciduous azaleas. It has mid-sized, fiery orange-red flowers that have a pleasant sweet scent. Deciduous leaves emerge bronze-red, mature to mid green, and turn burgundy red in autumn. It grows moderately to fast, some 20-30 cm per year, forming an airy shrub with almost equal height and spread.

Deciduous azaleas are ericaceous plants, loving insulate position with always moist soil. During temporary summer dry spells in certain areas their leaves may suffer and be prone to fungus infections. When spots appear on the leaves or they lose colour and start to curl use a suitable fungicide immediately. 1-2 sprays should help the plant remain beautiful and healthy. They require no pruning. Should you need to shape or rejuvenate your plant do so as early in the spring as possible so that it can still make new twigs with flower buds for the next season. It re-sprouts reliably. It has many surface roots which spread to sides in search for nutrients and water. The best soil mixture consists of peat, lime-free compost and leaf-mould. Fully hardy to min. -34°C (USDA zone 4).

Last update 23-05-2012