Azalea japonica 'MAISCHNEE'^®

Japanese azaleas 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 very floriferous, maintenance-free shrubs that usually bloom from end April until end May.

Maischnee^® is another Japanese azalea bred by German rhodo/azalea guru Hans Hachmann. It produces extra large, usually 7 cm across, pure white, open wide flowers late in the azalea season - commonly from late May until mid June. Profusion of flowers covers the shrub completely. The plant grows low and wide, forming dense cushions. Evergreen leaves are glossy, mid to dark green, ovate, only about 2-3 cm long.

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 them too deep. They are fully hardy to about -27°C (USDA zone 5b).

Last update 20-09-2016.