Azalea x 'ROSA KING'

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. Many of them were bred by Nuccio’s Nursery in Altadena, California, USA, same as this one.

Rosa King is a hybrid Japanese azalea producing semi-double to fully double salmon pink flowers. They are large and begin to appear one by one from late May, blooming peaks in early June and more flowers pop up from the midst of the shrub until late June. Evergreen leaves are small, elliptic, bright to medium green, and glossy. Rosa King azalea grows slowly into a low, spreading shrub.

Azaleas usually need no pruning but can be clipped to shapes in early July after flowering. If you prune them 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.

Hybrid azaleas prefer partial shade and a location protected from strong winter and early spring sunlight. They need light, free-draining, acidic, moderately fertile, and constantly moist soil, it is best to keep them mulched at all times. 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, never plant them too deep. If leaves turn yellow or fall off after winter, your plant is planted in wet or heavy soil. Hardy to about -23 °C (USDA zone 6).

Last update 11-03-2023