Azalea japonica 'KERMESINA'

Japonské azalky are very popular features of our gardens. In their home climate they grow to relatively substantial shrubs, as opposed to limited sizes in our continental, dry climate. They are are very floriferous, maintenance-free shrubs that bloom from end April until June.

Kermesina was historically the first of the Kermesina series of Japanese azalea, bred by The Boskoop Research Centre in the Netherlands around 1940. Its flowers are small but numerous, deep purple-pink. They appear in profusion from mid May until early June. It is a slow grower forming an irregular, mounding, compact shrub with tiered branches.

Leaves are very dark green, ovate, only about 2-3 cm long. In semi-shade the shrub is reliably evergreen, if placed in full sun it might lose a few leaves during winter. New leaves will then emerge after flowering.

Japanese azaleas can be clipped to shapes in early June. 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. 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. They are fully hardy to about -29°C (USDA zone 5).

Last update 26-10-2015.