Azalea x 'FANTASIA'

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.

There could not be a name for this hybrid Japanese azalea more apt than Fantasia. It was found as a natural mutation in a nursery in North Italy around 2010. It produces flowers of striking beauty that must have been a dream of many hybridizers to come up with. They are large, single, broadly funnel-shaped, white in the throat and rich salmon pink towards the margins. They appear from end May for almost 3 weeks manifesting the advantage of late azaleas whose flowers open in phases rather than all at the same time. Evregreen leaves are small, elliptic, medium green, partly glossy, and cover the plant completely. Verbania Azalea is a slow growing shrub, forming a compact mound.

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 them too deep. If leaves turn yellow or fall down after winter it is planted in wet or heavy soil. Hardy to about -23°C (USDA zone 6).

Last update 07-01-2020; 06-12-2020