Evergreen azaleas
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Note: when I worked as a plant propagator I specialised in evergreen azaleas. This piece is a catalogue of the plants I produced at Country Gardens, Christchurch, New Zealand. It dates from the early 1990s but is still quite relevant as a
guide to evergreen azalea hybrids.
1. Indica azaleas
This title is very much a misnomer as Rhododendron indicum had little to do with the development of these plants, nevertheless, we are stuck with the name. Indica Azaleas are, on the whole, the most frost tender of the evergreen azaleas. This is mainly due to the presence of Rhododendron simsii in their parentage. R. simsii was used because the prime objective in the development of these plants was the production of cultivars suitable for forcing into flower in winter for sale as temporary house plants; simsii is very early flowering and its lack of hardiness was not important as these plants were going to be indoors.
Belgian indicas
These are generally the most tender of the Indica groups, they also have some of the most spectacular flowers. Belgian Indicas are the most highly developed of the azalea groups, they represent over a century and a half of plant breeding that commenced in Europe in about 1830 and continues to this day with new hybrids introduced each year.
If you find that you can successfully grow Belgian Indicas outside in your climate then you should be able to succeed with any of the other hybrid groups. As a rule you can expect frost damage with Belgian Indicas if temperatures regularly fall below about -6°C. Well- established plants are considerably hardier than young ones.
Abundance
Double. Early to mid season. Vivid red. A heavy flowering compact variety. 60 cm high × 75 cm wide. Hardy to -8°C.
Albert Elizabeth
Semi-double. Mid season. White with a broad deep pink edge. One of the best but frost tender when young. 50 cm high × 75 cm wide. Hardy to -6°C.
Ambrosius
Double. Early. Deep purplish red. Always one of the first to flower, can make a magnificent display. 60 cm high × 80 cm wide. Hardy to -6°C.
Andrea King
Semi-double to double. Early to mid season. Light orange red. Heavy flowering and compact. Fairly tender when young. 80 cm high × 1 m wide. Hardy to -6°C.
Anniversary Joy
Semi-double. Early to mid season. Pale pink with darker shading and edges. Very delicate pastel tonings with considerable flower variation. 80 cm high × 1 m wide. Hardy to -8°C.
Apex Flame
Single, frilled. Early to mid season. Vivid orange red. Heavy flowering. Sun tolerant. 60 cm high × 75 cm wide. Hardy to -8°C.
Avenir
Single. Mid season. Bright red. A typical Belgian Indica; heavy flowering and compact. 60 cm high × 75 cm wide. Hardy to -8°C.
Blushing Bride
Double. Early to mid season. Apricot pink with subtle colour shadings. A very beautiful flower but young plants are quite frost tender. 50 cm high × 65 cm wide. Hardy to -6°C.
Centenary Heritage
Semi-double. Mid season. Bright reddish pink. A large showy
bloom. 60 cm high × 80 cm wide. Hardy to -8°C.
Charly
Double. Very early. Vivid purplish red. A sport of ‘Lucie’.
Very striking in full bloom but tender when young. 60 cm high × 80 cm wide.
Hardy to -8°C.
Cockade
Single. Mid season. Bright orange red. Sun tolerant. A
vivid colour, good with white. 80 cm high × 1 m wide. Hardy to -10°C.
Compte de Keratone
Double. Early to mid season. Deep apricot pink fading to
light pink with white edges. A dense compact bush. Heavy flowering. 50 cm high ×
75 cm wide. Hardy to -10°C.
Comptesse de Kerchove
Double. Early. Light apricot pink with orange pink shading.
Petals have a very heavy texture. Lighter coloured foliage. 50 cm high × 75 cm
wide. Hardy to -12°C.
Daphne
Semi-double. Mid season. White with a conspicuous green
throat. Quite a nice flower but like most whites it is prone to damage from sun
and wind. 50 cm high × 75 cm wide. Hardy to -10°C.
Deutsche Perle
Double. Very early. Pure white. A lovely bloom. Flowers
very early so best in a sheltered position to avoid frost damaging the flowers.
Trim annually to keep compact. 60 cm high × 80 cm wide. Hardy to
-6°C.
De Waele’s Favourite
Double. Early to mid
season. Deep pink with a broad white edge. A really nice bi-colour double flower
on a low compact bush. 50 cm high × 75 cm wide. Hardy to -10°C.
Doctor Glaser
Double. Dark red. Early. A very bright deep red, sometimes
the flowers fail to fully open. Quite frost tender. 50 cm high × 75 cm wide.
Hardy to -6°C.
Ellamere
Semi-double. Early to mid season. Deep orange red. A
vibrant colour. 70 cm high × 75 cm wide. Hardy to -8°C.
Elsa Kaerger
Semi-double. Deep orange red. Early to mid season. A
vibrant colour but best with some shelter. 60 cm high × 75 cm wide. Hardy to
-8°C.
Empress of India
Double. Early to mid season. Mid pink with darker markings
and a white edge. 50 cm high × 80 cm wide. Hardy to -10°C.
Eri
Double. Early to mid season. Soft pink suffused and edged
white. Has good foliage. 60 cm high × 75 cm wide. Hardy to -6°C.
Eulalie
Single. Mid season. Light pink fading to white edge. Has
variegated foliage so it is attractive when not in flower. 50 cm high × 75 cm
wide. Hardy to -8°C.
Eureka
Semi-double to double. Early to mid season. Dark pink
centre fading to light pink with a white edge. Showy compact bush. Tender,
especially when young. 50 cm high × 75 cm wide. Hardy to -4°C.
Fiery Boy
Hose in hose, frilled. Mid season. Bright red. Very heavy
flowering. Sun tolerant. 75 cm high × 1 m wide. Hardy to -8°C.
Gerhardt Nicolai
Semi-double to double. Early. Deep pink. Very large blooms
and plenty of them. Foliage has a tendency to sunburn. Frost tender when young.
60 cm high × 80 cm wide. Hardy to -6°C.
Glamour Girl
Semi-double hose in hose, slightly ruffled. Early to mid
season. Bright red. Fairly upright growth habit. 60 cm high × 75 cm wide. Hardy
to -8°C.
Goyet
Double, frilled. Early to mid season. Dark red. Upright but
compact. Produces huge flowers. 80 cm high × 85 cm wide. Hardy to
-8°C.
Gretel
Double. Early. White with a broad deep pink border. It has
a spectacular flower but has proved to be one of the more difficult to cultivate
well. 50 cm high × 75 cm wide. Hardy to -6°C.
Hellmut Vogel
Double. Very early. Bright purplish pink. Showy but
flowering early means that it needs a sheltered position. 80 cm high × 1 m wide.
Hardy to -8°C.
Hexe
Hose in hose, ruffled. Mid season to late. Vivid purplish
pink. Extremely heavy flowering and quite spectacular in full bloom. Is hardier
than most Belgian Indicas as it has quite a large proportion of Rhododendron
‘Obtusum’ in it. Also has nice dark foliage. Highly recommended. 60 cm high × 75
cm wide. Hardy to -15°C.
Inga
Double. Very early to early. Bright mid pink with
white border. Very heavy flowering showy compact plant. Needs shelter. 50
cm high × 75 cm wide. Hardy to -6°C.
Island Dew
Semi-double. Mid season. Pale pink with a darker centre.
Heavy flowering. Somewhat upright growth. 80 cm high × 1 m wide. Hardy to
-10°C.
James Belton
Single. Mid season. Pale pink with a darker centre. Viewed
at close range it can be something of a disappointment but this cultivar is
excellent as a background to more vivid colours. 80 cm high × 1 m wide. Hardy to
-10°C.
John T.D. Lewelyn
Double. Mid season. Mid pink with white border and reddish
throat. Fancy multi colour double. Compact bush. 60 cm high × 80 cm wide. Hardy
to -10°C.
John T.D. Lewelyn Rubra
Double. Mid season. Bright orange red. A sport of the
above. 60 cm high × 80 cm wide. Hardy to -10°C.
Leopold Astrid
Double. Early to mid season. White with a red edge.
Magnificent in full bloom, also has good foliage but is quite frost tender when
young. 50 cm high × 75 cm wide. Hardy to -8°C.
Little Beauty
Hose in hose. Early to mid season. Purplish red. Heavy
flowering, nice foliage. 60 cm high × 75 cm wide. Hardy to -12° C
Little Girl
Hose in hose, frilled. Mid season. Light pink. Heavy
flowering, dense, compact bush but a little tender when young. 50 cm high × 75
cm wide. Hardy to -10°C.
Lucie
Double. Very early. Deep purplish red. Flowers extremely
heavily but tender when young. 60 cm high × 80 cm wide. Hardy to
-8°C.
Madame Cyrille van Gele
Double. Mid season. Bright
purplish red with orange tones. A very attractive flower with subtle shading.
May need pruning to shape. 80 cm high × 1 m wide. Hardy to -10°C.
Madame Henny
Double. Mid season. Light red flushed pinkish orange. An
unusual colour. Best in shade, the flowers burn easily. 80 cm high × 1 m wide.
Hardy to -10°C.
Mission Bells
Semi-double. Mid season. Deep red. Unusual bell shaped
flowers similar to true rhododendrons. Tends to be upright. 1 m high × 1.2 m
wide. Hardy to -10°C.
Mme Alfred Sander
Double. Early. Deep purplish pink. A very well shaped
formal double. Heavy flowering. 50 cm high × 75 cm wide. Hardy to
-10°C.
Moulin Rouge
Semi-double. Mid season. Orange red. Fairly upright with
light coloured foliage. 1 m high × 1.2 m wide. Hardy to -10°C.
Mrs Gerard Kint
Single. Early to mid season. White with a broad red stripe.
A very showy compact bush. 80 cm high × 1 m wide. hardy to -10°C.
My Fair Lady
Double. Early to mid season. Mid pink with a white edge. A
very attractive flower on a nice compact bush. Also known as ‘Miss California’.
60 cm high × 80 cm wide. Hardy to -8°C.
Olympia
Double. Mid season. Bright purplish red. Low compact bush.
Named for the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games. Heavy flowering. 50 cm high × 75 cm
wide. Hardy to -8°C.
Only One Earth
Semi-double. Mid season. Bright purplish pink. A good
flower on a dense compact bush. Named for the 1972 Stockholm Earth Summit. 60 cm
high × 75 cm wide. Hardy to -10°C.
Orchid Gem
Single, ruffled. Early to mid season. Mid purple with
darker markings. Upright growth. One of the fastest growing azaleas. 1.5 m high
× 1.5 m wide. Hardy to -10°C.
Orchid Pink
Double. Early to mid season. Light pink with darker
markings. Impressive in full bloom but one of the more frost tender when young.
60 cm high × 75 cm wide. Hardy to -4°C.
Pacific Twilight
Double. Early to mid season. Light purple. Vigorous upright
growth. 80 cm high × 1 m wide. Hardy to -10°C.
Paul Schaeme
Double. Early to mid season. Bright red. Very heavy
flowering. Low compact growth. 50 cm high × 75 cm wide. Hardy to -12°C
Pax
Double. Mid season. White. Has a nice rosebud style bloom
but sunburns easily. Benefits from hard pruning when young. 1 m high × 1 m wide.
Hardy to -10°C.
Pink Dream
Single. Early to mid season. Rich mid pink with a darker
blotch. Large blooms. 80 cm high × 1 m wide. Hardy to -10°C.
Pink Ice
Semi-double. Early to mid season. Pale pink with occasional
deep pink flecks and stripes. The flowers are at their best just before fully
open. 80 cm high × 1 m wide. Hardy to -10°C.
Pink Niobe
Double. Early to mid season. Deep pink with occasional
white flecks. A sport of ‘Niobe’. Remove any branches with white flowers or they
will dominate. 50 cm high × 75 cm wide. Hardy to -8°C.
Pink Ruffles
Double, frilled. Early to mid season. Light pink with a
white edge. The heavily frilled petals are quite distinctive. 50 cm high × 75 cm
wide. Hardy to -8°C.
Red Poppy
Semi-double. Cherry red. Very early. The flower is very
like a poppy in shape. Prune to shape when young. 60 cm high × 75 cm wide. Hardy
to -10°C.
Red Ruffles
Double, frilled. Early to mid season. Light red. Frilled
petals, long leaves. 50 cm high × 75 cm wide. Hardy to -6°C.
Red Wings
Hose in hose. Early to mid season. Deep pinkish red.
Vigorous grower. 60 cm high × 80 cm wide. Hardy to -10°C.
Rosa Belton
Single. Mid season. White with broad lavender edge.
Distinctive and heavy flowering. 60 cm high × 75 cm wide. Hardy to
-10°C.
Rubis de Meirelbeke
Double. Mid season to late. Vivid purplish red. Slightly
fragrant. 60 cm high × 75 cm wide. Hardy to -8°C.
Saidee Kirk
Double. Mid season. Soft apricot pink suffused with pale
pink. Very delicate flower colour. The bush may sprawl so prune it if necessary.
75 cm high × 90 cm wide. Hardy to -8°C.
Sandra King
Double. Early to mid season. White, flushed and edged
pinkish orange. Very attractive, especially in bud. Can be an untidy grower so
trim to keep compact. 75 cm high × 90 cm wide. Hardy to -10°C.
Silver Anniversary
Hose in hose, frilled. Early to mid season. Light pink with
darker edges. A large bush but very dense growth, fairly frost tender when
young. 1 m high × 1.2 m wide. Hardy to -8°C.
Silver Glow
Double. Mid season. Deep red. This cultivar has variegated
foliage. Except in cool moist weather the flowers often fail to open fully so it
is perhaps best regarded as a foliage plant that blooms occasionally. 50 cm high
× 1 m wide. Hardy to -12°C.
Southern Aurora
Double. Early to mid season. White, heavily flushed and
edged orange red. This cultivar is about as close to an orange as evergreen
azaleas go. Spectacular, never fails to attract attention. 50 cm high × 75 cm
wide. Hardy to -10°C.
Star Trek
Double. Early to mid season. White with a prominent green
throat. A very nice flower but one of the more frost tender, especially when
young. 50 cm high × 75 cm wide. Hardy to -6°C.
Sweet Nellie
Hose in hose. Early. Deep reddish pink. Heavy flowering.
Prune to shape when young. 60 cm high × 80 cm wide. Hardy to -10°C.
Temperance
Double. Mid season. Dusky
lavender pink. A very distinctive colour, almost a pinkish grey in some seasons.
Has an upright growth habit. 1 m high × 1 m wide. Hardy to -10°C.
The Teacher
Double. Early to mid season. White flushed and edged reddish pink. An attractive
flower but a fairly tender plant until established. 50 cm high × 75 cm wide. Hardy to
-6°C.
Vervaeneana
Double. Early to mid season. Mid pink with darker markings
and white edges and flecks. A very fancy flower. Should really be called
‘Vervaeneana Rosea’ but always seen as ‘Vervaeneana’. 50 cm high × 75 cm wide.
Hardy to -10°C.
Violacea
Semi-double. Early. Magenta purple. A bright and unusual
colour. Benefits from trimming to shape when young. 70 cm high × 1 m wide. Hardy
to -6°C.
William Wylam
Single. Mid season to late. Light purple. Tough and
adaptable. Will make a good display in most situations. 70 cm high × 1 m wide.
Hardy to -10°C.
1a. Southern indicas
Not long after the Belgian Indicas became popular in Europe they made their appearance in the United States. Most of the hybrids were too tender to be used as anything but house plants in the north but it was a different story in the Southern states.
The new hybrids caught on immediately in the South with many acres being planted by the plantation owners. After this initial burst of importing and planting relatively few new cultivars were brought into the region.
The azaleas flourished and in time set seed, some of which germinated. Doubtless some of these seedlings were cultivated and sold as new varieties. It is from this inbreeding combined with a few old cultivars that had survived that the group known as the Southern Indicas developed. Add to this the fact that the original cultivars would sport or revert to more stable forms and the reasons for the diversity of this group become apparent. All this happened more or less haphazardly from about 1850 to 1900. Since then, with the development of the nursery industry and improvements in communications, these hybrids have gained in popularity and their propagation is now more organised.
The Southern Indicas of today are a mixed bag; old Belgian Indicas, chance seedlings perpetuated, and deliberately bred hybrids. As a group the Southern Indicas are usually hardier to both sun and frost than the Belgians and they tend to be larger plants when mature.
Fielder’s White
Single. Early. White. Slightly fragrant. Useful as a
background or filler. 1.5 m high × 1.8 m wide. Hardy to -10°C.
Mardi Gras
Semi-double. Early to mid season. Orange pink with a broad
white edge. Compact growth. 50 cm high × 75 cm wide. Hardy to -8°C.
Modele
Double. Mid season to late. Deep purplish red. Heavy
flowering, impressive in full bloom. 70 cm high × 1 m wide. Hardy to
-12°C.
Pride of Dorking
Single. Mid season to late. Vivid deep cerise pink.
Spectacular in full flower. Slow, but ultimately a large bush. 1.2 m high × 1.5
m wide. Hardy to -10°C.
1b. Rutherford indicas.
These hybrids were developed in the U.S.A. in the 1920s. They were bred for use as greenhouse forcing plants and as such they are essentially identical to the Belgian Indicas. The name Rutherford comes from the Bobbink and Atkins Nursery of East Rutherford, New Jersey, where the hybrids were developed.
Alaska
Semi-double. Early. White with a light green blotch. A variable flower with single to almost full double on the one plant. 80 cm high × 1 m wide. Hardy to -8°C.
Constance
Single, frilled. Mid season. Mid pink with darker markings. Simple but attractive. 50 cm high × 75 cm wide. Hardy to -10°C.
Dorothy Gish
Hose in hose, frilled. Mid season. Unusual orange pink
shade with a darker blotch. An attractive compact bush. 60 cm high × 80 cm wide.
Hardy to -10°C.
Firelight
Semi-double. Early to mid season. Bright red. Sun tolerant.
80 cm high × 1.2 m wide. Hardy to -12°C.
Purity
Double. Early to mid season. White. The forms sold as the Belgian Indica ‘Niobe’ and the Kurume ‘Adonis’ are apparently identical to ‘Purity’. The Belgian Indica ‘Pink Niobe’ is a sport of this cultivar. To add to the confusion all of these forms may be identical to the Belgian Indica ‘Pax’. Obviously there have been some atrocious mix ups over the years as the true Kurume ‘Adonis’ is nothing like this cultivar but, as with the Kurume ‘Appleblossom’, another plant has been propagated under its name with the result that the true cultivar is now no longer available. 80 cm high × 1 m wide. Hardy to -10°C.
Rose Queen
Semi-double. Early to mid season. Mid pink with darker markings. Low spreading bush. 50 cm × 1 m wide. Hardy to -10C.
1c. Kerrigan indicas.
In effect just another form of the Belgian Indica. Bred in the U.S.A. from the 1950s onwards principally as greenhouse plants. Most are fairly frost tender when young but they do have very showy flowers.
Bride’s Bouquet
Double. Mid season. White with greenish throat markings. A
beautiful formal rosebud double. Needs some shelter if the blooms are to last.
70 cm high × 1 m wide. Hardy to -10°C.
Gay Paree
Semi-double. Mid season. White with a deep pink edge. A
spectacular bi-colour. A very popular cultivar that makes an effective, slightly
hardier, substitute for the Belgian Indica ‘Gretel’. 60 cm high × 1 m wide.
Hardy to -10°C.
Ripples
Double, ruffled. Early to mid season. Deep purplish pink.
Very heavy flowering. Sun tolerant. Reliable even under adverse conditions. One
of the best evergreen azaleas for area not subject to extreme frosts. 60 cm high
× 1 m wide. Hardy to -12C.
1d. Indicum & mucronatum hybrids.
When Rhododendron indicum is crossed with Rhododendron simsii the resultant plants are known as Indicum Hybrids. Unfortunately this term is also used to describe varieties of R. indicum. Mucronatum hybrids show the influence of Rhododendron ripense as well as possible indicum parentage.
Alba Magnifica
Single. Early to mid season. White with yellowish markings. Fragrant. A large bush. Has light green foliage covered in sticky hairs. 1.5 m high × 1.5 m wide. Hardy to -12°C.
Balsaminaeflora
Double. Early to mid season. Mid orange pink. Very attractive rosebud style blooms in abundance. A dense bush with wiry branches. May be trimmed to a low hedge. 80 cm high × 1.2 m wide. Hardy to -15°C.
Magnifica Rosea
Single. Early to mid season. Mid pink. This and ‘Alba Magnifica’ are Mucronatum hybrids. They have sticky leaves as does the Southern Indica ‘Fielder's White’, which also shows obvious Mucronatum influence. Slightly fragrant. 1.5 m high × 1.5 m wide. Hardy to -10°C.
Salmonea
Single. Mid season. Deep salmon pink with darker markings. This form and the form sold as ‘Splendens’ or ‘Salmonea Splendens’ are apparently identical. 80 cm high × 1 m wide. Hardy to -12°C.
2. Kurume azaleas.
The breeding and hybridising of Kurume azaleas began, probably over 300 years ago, in the region of Kurume on the island of Kyushu in Japan. This region is home to a number of evergreen azalea species and over the years many of them have been used in the hybridising process. The length of time involved and the number of species used makes it very difficult, if not impossible, to determine the exact parentage of these plants. From the range of azaleas now found growing wild in the region of Kurume it is fairly certain that at least Rhododendrons kiusianum, ‘obtusum’, kaempferi, sataense, and indicum have been used.
The Kurume azaleas grown today represent but a fraction of the varieties that have been produced over the centuries. They were first seen in the west in 1915 when a Japanese nurseryman, Mr Akashi of Kurume, exhibited 12 cultivars at an exposition in San Francisco. This paved the way for the introductions of the Domoto Brothers and E.H. Wilson. The Domoto Brothers were Japanese nurserymen living in California. They had close links with Japan so they were in an ideal position to import Kurume cultivars into the United States. Surprisingly, their introductions, numerous as they were, have been overshadowed by the group known as ‘Wilson’s Fifty’.
Ernest Henry Wilson was a famous English plant collector and explorer who travelled extensively in Asia. He was responsible for the introduction of many now common garden plants including the Christmas Lily (Lilium regale). In 1917 Wilson, by this time working under contract for the Arnold Arboretum in the United States, visited Kurume and obtained a few plants. He returned in 1918 and selected fifty cultivars from Mr Akashi’s nursery. These reached the arboretum in 1919. While some of these cultivars are now hard to find in cultivation many of the original fifty are still popular and extensively grown. Indeed ‘Kirin’ would probably be the most popular azalea in cultivation today.
Regular introductions of Kurume azaleas continued up to the start of the Second World War. Recently more genuine Japanese cultivars have been introduced but with the range of evergreen azaleas now available they have not made the same impact as the first introductions.
Japanese & Japanese style kurumes.
These cultivars are either original introductions from Japan or hybrids developed from original Kurumes.
Addy Wery
Single. Early. Deep orange red with darker markings. A good
strong colour. Bronze winter foliage colour. 1 m high × 1.5m. Hardy to
-15°C.
Blaauw’s Pink
Hose in hose. Early to mid season. Light salmon pink with a
darker throat. A vigorous bush that benefits from pruning to keep it compact. 1
m high × 1.5 m wide. Hardy to -20°C.
Cherry Blossom
Hose in hose. Early to mid season. White flushed red. Very
delicate shadings. Wilson no.11. Japanese name ‘Takasago’. 80 cm high × 1 m
wide. Hardy to -15°C.
Christmas Cheer
Hose in hose. Early. Vivid cerise red. Masses of flowers
cover the plant in early spring. Very popular for its bold display. This
cultivar should really be quite a clear red but shows a strong tendency to
revert to cerise. We are trying to re-establish the red form but it is proving
to be quite difficult due to its instability. Wilson no.36. Japanese name ‘Ima
Shojo’. 1 m high × 1 m wide. Hardy to -20°C.
Extrante
Hose in hose. Early to mid season. Mid purple. Easy to
grow, hardy and reliable. Suitable for hedging. 70 cm high × 1 m wide. Hardy to
-20°C.
Himeyata
Single. Mid season. Light orange red. A simple flower but
useful if hardiness is required. 80 cm high × 1.2 m wide. Hardy to
-20°C.
Hino Crimson
Single. Mid season. Bright pinkish red. Extremely heavy
flowering, blooms often hide the foliage. Very hardy, ideal for exposed
positions. Can produce brilliant winter foliage colour. 1.2 m high × 1.5 m wide.
Hardy to -20°C.
Hinode Giri
Single. Early. Vivid cerise red. As local forms of
‘Christmas Cheer’ have largely reverted from red to the more dominant cerise
shade ‘Hinode Giri’ is now, effectively, a single form of ‘Christmas Cheer’ but
slightly quicker growing. Wilson no.42. 1 m high × 1.2 m wide. Hardy to
-20°C.
Kirin
Hose in hose. Early. Soft pastel pink. ‘Kirin’ is the
epitome of a Kurume. A free flowering compact bush that is very hardy and easy
to grow. An absolute must for any collection. If you only want one azalea make
it ‘Kirin’. Wilson no.22. Also known as ‘Coral Bells’. 80 cm high × 1 m wide.
Hardy to -20°C.
Kocho No Mai
Single. Early. Light purple. A simple flower but
nevertheless elegant .Can become large but is always dense and bushy. 1 m high ×
1.2 m wide. Hardy to -20°C.
Orange Beauty
Single. Early to mid season. Bright reddish orange. A
typical Kurume; heavy flowering, dense and compact. Attractive glossy foliage.
80 cm high × 1 m wide. Hardy to -15°C.
Osaraku
Single. Early to mid season. White suffused light purple.
Very delicate shadings. Wilson no.17. Also known as ‘Penelope’. 70 cm high × 1 m
wide. Hardy to -10°C.
Peach Kirin
Hose in hose. Early. Soft pastel pink. A colour sport of
‘Kirin’. Blooms do not last as well but a first class plant nevertheless. 70 cm
high × 1 m wide. Hardy to -15°C.
Rashomon
Hose in hose. Mid season to late. Light orange red. An
unusually shaped flower, somewhat flattened in appearance. Profuse flowering.
Wilson no.37. Also known as ‘Meteor’. 70 cm high × 1 m wide. Hardy to
-20°C.
Red Robin
Single. Mid season. Bright orange red. Sun tolerant. Wilson
no.38. Japanese name ‘Waka Kayede’. Impressive as a large specimen. Needs
trimming when young. 70 cm high × 1 m wide. Hardy to -15°C.
Sakata Red
Single. Mid season. Orange red. Quite a clear orange, needs
trimming when young. 1 m high × 1.5 m wide. Hardy to -20°C.
Salmon Prince
Hose in hose. Early to mid season. Bright pastel pink. Very
much like a large version of ‘Kirin’. Wilson no.28. Japanese name ‘Kumo No Uye’.
80 cm high × 1 m wide. Hardy to -15°C.
Scarlet Prince
Hose in hose. Early. Bright red. A very dense twiggy bush
that can make a dense mound in time. Japanese name ‘Yaye Hiryu’. Wilson no.39. 1
m high × 1.2 m wide. Hardy to -15°C.
Sherwood Red
Single. Early. Bright red. Showy bush that is also popular
for indoor use. 80 cm high × 1 m wide. Hardy to -15°C.
Starburst
Hose in hose. Early. Very pale pink darkening at the edges.
A sport of ‘Kirin’. 70 cm high × 1 m wide. Hardy to -15°C.
Sui Yohi
Single. Early to mid season. White flushed pale pink with
pink petal tips. An exquisite bloom, not the most flamboyant, but delicately
shaded and textured. If it were better known it would be far more widely grown.
One of the more frost tender Kurumes. Benefits from trimming when young. Wilson
no.10. Also known as ‘Sprite’. 1 m high × 1.2 m wide. Hardy to -10°C.
Sweet Briar
Single to hose in hose. Early to mid season. Bright pink. A
dense compact plant. May, in fact, be ‘Eleanor Allan’. The two are often
confused but the form grown in New Zealand seems to correspond more closely to
‘Eleanor Allan’. 80 cm high × 1 m wide. Hardy to -15°C.
Ward’s Ruby
Hose in hose. Mid season. Deep blood red. Usually regarded
as the deepest red evergreen azalea. Goes well with white. Somewhat more frost
tender than most Kurumes being hardy down to about -12°C. 1 m high × 1.2 m
wide.
2a. Amoenum hybrids
These plants are very much in the Kurume style. The well known ‘Amoena’ is a form of Rhododendron ‘obtusum’, which is itself now regarded as a hybrid of R. sataense, kiusianum and kaempferi. To say the situation is confused is an understatement.
Amoena
Hose in hose. Early. Reddish purple. Always a feature of early spring due to its tremendously prolific flower display. Only a small flower and not the most evergreen of azaleas but it can’t be beaten for sheer colour. Extremely tough and will make a good hedge even in exposed positions. 1.5 m high × 1.8 m wide. Hardy to -20°C.
Princess Maude
Single. Early to mid
season. Vivid deep pink. Tall upright growth and single flowers make this
variety best suited as a background. 1.2 m high × 1.2 m wide. Hardy to
-15°C.
2b. Coolidge kurumes
Californian Kurume hybrids introduced by the Coolidge Rare Plant Garden of Pasadena. Typically Kurume in style and form.
Singing Fountain
Single. Early to mid season. Bright pink. Masses of small to medium sized blooms. Tough and easy to grow. Low spreading growth. 50 cm high × 1 m wide. Hardy to -15° C
2c. Ferndown kurumes
These English hybrids were introduced in the 1920s & 30s but they are not common outside Great Britain.
Crown Jewel
Single. Late. Light orange red. A very useful ground cover for rockeries. Sun tolerant. More like a Satsuki in appearance and flowering season and seems to show considerable indicum influence so it may not actually belong in this section. This group are generally regarded as being Kurume in style but as the records of their parentage were lost during the Second World War it is not possible to be certain. 30 cm high × 1 m wide. Hardy to -20°C.
3. Kaempferi azaleas
Kaempferi azaleas are among the hardiest of the evergreen azaleas. Originally they were simply forms of Rhododendron kaempferi but since their American introduction in 1892 they have been hybridised with other species and cultivars, most notably R. phoeniceum and R. poukhanense (yedoense). Kaempferis are hardy in all but the coldest districts but in really cold conditions they are virtually deciduous. Much of the hybridising of these azaleas has been undertaken in areas subject to very cold winter conditions such as Holland and the north east of the U.S.A.
Many of these hybrids have coloured autumn foliage and are more deciduous than other ‘evergreen’ azaleas
Kaempferi hybrids
Primarily the result of work carried out in the Netherlands from the late 1800s onwards by Koster’s Nursery (famous for Koster’s Blue Spruce). This work continued when P.M. Koster moved to Bridgetown, New Jersey in 1921 thereby firmly establishing the Kaempferi azaleas in the United States.
Hybridising in Holland was continued by several nurseries most notably C.B. Van Nes and Sons (famous for their Rhododendron hybrids) and Vuyk Van Nes Nurseries of Boskoop.
Christina
Hose in hose, semi-double. Mid season. Deep reddish pink.
Very tough, suitable for exposed positions in cold regions. 1.2 m high × 1.5 m
wide. Hardy to -25°C.
Double Beauty
Hose in hose. Early to mid
season. Deep purplish pink. Low growth combined with great hardiness make it a
first choice for cold areas. 80 cm high × 1.2m. Hardy to -25°C.
Johanna
Single to semi-double. Mid season. Bright deep red. A
vigorous grower with good autumn and winter foliage colour. Vivid flowers and
great hardiness make it a first choice, not only for cold regions but for any
exposed position. 1.2 m high × 1.5 m wide. Hardy to -25°C.
3a. Vuyk hybrids
Developed from 1921 by Vuyk Van Nes Nursery of Boskoop, Holland. These hybrids are very like the original Kaempferis.
Florida
Hose in hose, semi-double. Mid season. Deep pinkish red.
1.2 m high × 1.5 m wide. Hardy to -20°C.
Princess Juliana
Single. Mid season. Orange red. Compact and hardy. Easy to
grow. 80 cm high × 1.2 m wide. Hardy to -20°C.
Queen Wilhelmina
Single. Mid season. Orange red with a very deep blackish
red blotch. A large shrub characterised by its lanceolate leaves and darkly
marked flowers that are more like those of a true rhododendron. 1.5 m high × 1.8
m wide. Hardy to -25°C.
Vuyk’s Rosy Red
Single. Mid season. Deep purplish red. A simple flower but
prolific. 80 cm high × 1 m wide. Hardy to -25°C.
Vuyk’s Scarlet
Single. Early to mid season. Bright red. Always gives an
impressive display. Reliably evergreen even under adverse conditions. An
excellent choice for cold areas. 1 m high × 1.2 m wide. Hardy to
-25°C.
3b. Gable hybrids
These hybrids, primarily of Kaempferi parentage, were
developed by Joseph Gable of Pennsylvania. The Gable hybrids were bred with
hardiness as a prime objective. Not only was this achieved but some quite showy
double flowers were also raised.
Caroline Gable
Hose in hose. Mid season. Deep purplish pink. Very heavy
flowering. Extremely hardy, an excellent choice for cold regions. Can produce
excellent winter foliage colour. 1 m high × 1.2 m wide. Hardy to
-20°C.
Isabel
Single. Mid season to late. Light lavender purple. A simple
flower but a bush that becomes more attractive as it matures. 1 m high × 1.2 m
wide. Hardy to -20°C.
Lorna
Double. Mid season to late. Bright mid pink. Colourful,
hardy and adaptable. A very useful cultivar; virtually foolproof. 1 m high × 1.2
m wide. Hardy to -25°C.
Purple Splendor
Hose in hose. Mid season. Light purple. Very heavy
flowering. Good anywhere but particularly in cold areas as it is very hardy. 1.2
m high × 1.5 m wide. Hardy to -20°C.
Rosebud
Double. Mid season to late. Soft mid pink. From the same
cross as ‘Lorna’ and very similar to it. Slightly lighter in colour. 1 m high ×
1.2 m wide. Hardy to-25°C.
3c. Girard hybrids
Developed from the late 1940s onward by Peter Girard of
Ohio, U.S.A. these are good compact hardy hybrids that are suited to a wide
range of uses.
Girard’s Border Gem
Single. Mid season. Deep pink. Compact dwarf small leaved
plant with masses of flowers. 40 cm high × 40 cm wide. Hardy to
-20°C.
Girard’s Chiara
Hose in hose, ruffled. Mid season. Deep cerise with a
reddish blotch. A very compact bush. 50 cm high × 50 cm wide. Hardy to
-25°C.
Girard’s Crimson
Single. Mid season. Vivid purplish red. Heavy flowering
compact bush. 50 cm high × 60 cm wide. Hardy to -20°C.
Kathy Ann
Single. Mid season. White. Strong bushy growth. A good
white for exposed positions. Slightly fragrant. 1 m high × 80 cm wide. Hardy to
-20°C.
3d. Linwood hybrids
These hybrids were developed in America in the 1950s. They
are hardy but are also suitable for greenhouse forcing.
Hardy Gardenia
Hose in hose. Early to mid season. White. A low spreading
bush. 40 cm high × 80 cm wide. Hardy to -15°C.
Orchid Beauty
Double hose in hose. Mid season. Bright purplish red.
Upright growth habit. 80 cm high × 70 cm wide. Hardy to -20°C.
3e. Shammarello hybrids
Similar to the Gable hybrids, indeed many of the
Shammarello hybrids have Gable parentage.
Elsie Lee
Semi-double to double. Mid season. Mauve with darker
markings. A very attractive flower in quite an unusual shade. Has the added
benefit of some fragrance. Very hardy. 1 m high × 1 m wide. Hardy to
-20°C.
4. Satsuki azaleas
The cultivation and breeding of Satsuki azaleas is highly
regarded in Japan. Satsukis are the epitome of the Japanese azalea. They have
been cultivated for centuries, indeed their exact origins have long been lost in
the mists of time. They are also highly regarded as Bonsai specimens.
This combination of long ancestry, artistic reverence, and
suitability for bonsai culture has given the Satsuki azalea an almost religious,
or perhaps more of a mystical, significance for the Japanese. Over the centuries
many Japanese scholars have written of these plants. It is from these writings
and extensive cultivation that the Japanese understanding of what is meant by
the term ‘Satsuki’ has evolved.
Satsuki actually means ‘fifth month’ and is a reference to
the flowering time of the plants in relation to the old Japanese lunar calendar.
That is, they flower in the fifth month or later. Cultivars that flower earlier
than this are called ‘Tsu-tsuji’. So in Japan the public recognises only two
classes of azaleas; the Tsu Tsuji (which includes the Kurume azaleas) and the
Satsuki.
The parentage of the Satsukis is impossible to determine
exactly although clearly Rhododendrons indicum and
tamurae, at least, were involved. Over the years
countless hybrids have been developed and several hundred are grown in
Japan.
Some Satsukis were seen in the West in the early 1900s, but
it was not until 1938-39 when large numbers were imported into the United States
that they were at all extensively grown. Shortly after this initial introduction
World War II put a stop, albeit temporarily, to any further introductions.
Recently a large collection of Satsuki cultivars was released to American
nurserymen in the hope that extensive local propagation would make them more
readily available to the gardening public. Unfortunately, in New Zealand, we
have only a limited range of Satsukis to choose from although it is slowly
increasing.
The more you grow azaleas the more you come to appreciate
the merits of the Satsukis. They may not have the brilliant showy double flowers
of the Belgian Indicas but they have a subtle, delicate beauty. Even the bolder
colours seem understated.
The typical Satsuki is a
low growing, late flowering shrub but there are some earlier flowering and some
taller growing cultivars. The late blooming habit means that it is necessary to
grow these plants where they will be sheltered from strong afternoon sun while
in flower otherwise the display will be considerably shortened. The plants
themselves are quite sun tolerant. In Japan they are often trimmed to make
hedges thus sacrificing the flower display in favour of the growth form. As
indicated by their use as Bonsai the Satsukis make excellent container plants
especially in cool shaded positions.
Satsukis are usually hardy under Christchurch conditions
but young plants may be damaged by particularly severe winters. Established
plants are among the more evergreen of the ‘evergreen’ azaleas.
As Satsukis become more common so their influence in the
development of new hybrids becomes more marked. Many of the best new releases
have a large percentage of Satsuki parentage. If you only have room for a few
azaleas make them Satsukis and you will never regret it. You will have plants
that look magnificent at any time of the year and which will, with a minimum of
attention, live for centuries.
Satsuki hybrids
English transliterations of Japanese names are always a point of disagreement. As far as possible I have used the spelling that is used in ‘Azaleas’ by F.C. Galle. This book is the
recognised authority on azaleas. Approximate translations of the Japanese names are given.
Benigasa (Red Umbrella)
Single. Late. Deep orange
red. One of the most intensely coloured Satsukis. Always makes a vivid display
around mid November. 50 cm high × 80 cm wide. Hardy to -12°C.
Chinzan (Rare Mountain)
Single. Mid season to late. Bright pink with a darker
blotch. Fairly small flowers. Compact growth habit. Attractive foliage. 50 cm
high × 75 cm wide. Hardy to -15°C.
Daishuhai (Great Vermilion Cup)
Single. Mid season to late. White with a very clear cut red
tip to each petal. More open growth than most Satsukis though it is by no means
rangy. Somewhat more frost tender than most. 70 cm high × 1 m wide. Hardy to
-10°C.
Eikan (A Garland)
Single. Mid season to late. A highly variable flower. Soft
orange pink with variable flakes and sectors of light pink and white. Large
flowers. 1 m high × 1.2 m wide. Hardy to -12°C.
Fuji No Tsuki (Moon of Mt. Fuji)
Single. Mid season to late.
Lavender pink with a lighter throat. Usually a low compact bush but needs
occasional trimming. Very hardy. 50 cm high × 80 cm wide. Hardy to
-15°C.
Gumpo (A Group of Phoenixes)
Single, usually frilled. There are many forms of ‘Gumpo’,
all are dwarf bushes seldom exceeding 40 cm in height and 75 cm in width. They
flower from late October to late November. They are among the most heavy
flowering of azaleas and are ideally suited to rockeries or small
gardens.
Fancy
Mid pink with a white margin and pink markings.
Occasional flakes and sectors of solid colour. Hardy to -15°C.
Petunia
Light pink with a darker
throat and occasional white sectors or stripes. Hardy to -20°C.
Light Pink
Pale pink with darker markings. Hardy to -20°C.
Salmon
Bright salmon pink, heavily
frilled and exceptionally profuse flowering. Hardy to -20°C.
White
White, heavily frilled and extremely profuse. Sun tolerant
for a white. Hardy to -20°C.
Gunrei (Beautiful Group)
Single. Late. White to pale pink flushed and marked with
darker colours. Occasional flakes and sectors of solid colour. This is a sport
of ‘Gumpo’ that grows a little larger. 50 cm high × 90 cm wide. Hardy to
-20°C.
Haru No Hikari (Light of Spring)
Single. Late. Deep apricot pink with white markings,
occasionally a white border or reverse pattern. A very large flower. This
cultivar’s more open growth shows evidence of Rhododendron indicum parentage. 75 cm high × 1 m wide.
Hardy to -15°C.
Hitoya No Haru (Glory of Spring)
Single. Very late. Bright lavender pink. An outstanding
cultivar, glossy foliage year round and a superb flower display so late that you
may have given up hope of seeing it. Also very hardy. Can’t be too highly
recommended. 50 cm high × 75 cm wide. Hardy to -15°C.
Issho No Haru (Flower of a Lifetime)
Single. Late. Soft pastel pink with occasional purple
splashes. Beautiful long lasting blooms with a very heavy texture. Heavy
flowering. 50 cm high × 80 cm wide. Hardy to -15°C.
Kazan (Rukizon) (Deer Mountain)
Single. Mid season to late. Deep reddish pink. A very
compact bush with attractive foliage. 30 cm high × 60 cm wide. Hardy to
-15°C.
Shiko (Purple Light)
Single. Mid season. Lavender pink. Large blooms with a
heavy waxy texture. As with many Satsukis the flowers are highly variable and
often show flakes and sectors of white. 50 cm high × 90 cm wide. Hardy to
-20°C.
Shugetsu (Autumn Moon)
Single. Mid season. White edged bright purple. One of the
larger hybrids. Again a variable bloom with many patterns seen on one bush. 1 m
high × 1.5 m wide. Hardy to -20°C.
Solstice
Single. Mid season. Bright pink with a purplish blotch.
Large bloom. Compact growth habit. 60 cm high × 80 cm wide. Hardy to
-12°C.
5. Inter-group azaleas
As the name suggests these azaleas are the result of
crosses made between the various hybrid groups. Prior to the 20th century
nurserymen tended to breed from their local stocks, which gave rise to specific
hybrid groups derived from species that were native to these localities. Now
that we are in an age of rapid transport and mass communication we tend to use a
far wider range of stock material in the breeding process. No longer are we
confined to just using the plants at hand. We are now breeding plants to achieve
a desired objective and using a wide range of parent material.
This is not to say that specific hybrid groups such as the
Satsukis or Kaempferis are likely to disappear. They are too useful and have too
much historical significance for that to happen, but it is true that of the many
cultivars introduced over the past twenty five years at least 75% have been
inter-group hybrids.
The first serious attempt at a scientifically based
breeding programme using the best material available was the Glenn Dale series.
Work on these hybrids began in 1935 and continued for about twenty years. Ever
since then the Glenn Dale approach to azalea breeding has been used as the
benchmark for hybrid development.
The use of, or preference for, particular cultivars or
hybrid groups in a breeding programme tends to give the resulting plants defined
group characteristics, however, the essential difference between a hybrid group
and an inter-group hybrid is that in a hybrid group certain species have been
crossed and their progeny interbred whereas with inter-group hybrids it is
always acceptable to introduce new blood.
Glenn Dale hybrids
These hybrids are the result of the most extensive breeding
programme undertaken thus far. In 1935 B.Y. Morrison of the U.S. Department of
Agriculture Plant Introduction Section based at Glenn Dale, Maryland, started
work on this programme. The main objectives were to produce hardy plants with a
good colour range and to fill a then existing gap in flowering time by producing
mid season flowering cultivars.
Thousands of clones were trialed over a ten year period
with the majority of the selected types being released from 1947-49 with the
remainder following in 1952. Four hundred and forty clones were released.
Unfortunately, relatively few of them have found their way to the private
gardens of New Zealand. This is surprising because there is a wealth of variety
in both colour and form in the Glenn Dales and there would be a ready market for
any new commercial introductions.
Acme
Single. Mid season. Purplish pink. A vigorous heavy
flowering plant. Good as a background or as a specimen. 1.2 m high × 1.5 m wide.
Hardy to -15°C.
Eros
Single. Mid season to late. Deep pink, lighter at the edges
with a darker blotch. Low spreading growth habit. 40 cm high × 1 m wide. Hardy
to -15°C.
Festive
Single. Early. White flecked and striped purple. The
unusual flecked pattern is attractive. Strong upright growth. 1.5 m high × 1.2 m
wide. Hardy to -15°C.
Firedance
Semi-double. Early to mid season. Bright pinkish red. A
vivid flower display. 80 cm high × 1 m wide. Hardy to -10°C.
Glacier
Single. Early to mid season. White tinted light green.
Vigorous upright growth habit. Good foliage. 1.8 m high × 1.8 m wide. Hardy to
-20°C.
Martha Hitchcock
Single. Mid season to late. White with a purplish pink
edge. Very hardy, showy and heavy blooming. Highly recommended, especially for
cold regions. 1.5 m high × 1.8 m wide. Hardy to -20°C.
Vespers
Single to semi-double. Early to mid season. White with
green markings and occasional pink splashes. A very vigorous bush. 1 m high ×
1.2 m wide. Hardy to -20°C
**********
Ben Morrison
Single. Mid season. Deep rusty red with darker markings and
a white border. This is not a true Glenn Dale hybrid, it was raised by Morrison
but not released by him. It was released after his death to commemorate his
work. It is surprising that it was not released earlier as it is a superb plant
that is hardy and puts on a good display even under adverse conditions. 1.5 m
high × 1.8 m wide. Hardy to -15°C.
Pearl Bradford Sport
Single. Bright deep pink. Very late. This cultivar was
developed from the Glenn Dale cultivar ‘Pearl Bradford’. It is an exceptionally
dense, compact bush. Grown more for its form than its flower. If a good flower
display is required it must be sheltered from hot sun as it does not flower
until December. It is otherwise sun tolerant. Good in rockeries or as a hedge.
40 cm high × 80 cm wide. Hardy to -20°C.
**********
5a. Back Acres hybrids
Morrison continued to breed azaleas in the period after his
retirement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Many of these cultivars were
developed from the Glenn Dale hybrids, but with an emphasis on fancy flowers as
well as hardiness.
Debonaire
Single. Mid season. Bright pink with darker edges and a
light centre. Compact growth habit. 60 cm high × 60 cm wide. Hardy to
-15°C.
Hearthglow
Double. Mid season to late. Mid pink flushed reddish
orange. Unusual camellia like flowers. Medium sized bush. 1 m high × 1 m wide.
Hardy to -12°C.
Ivan Anderson
Single. Mid season. White with a reddish purple edge. Very
dense compact bush. Heavy flowering. 80 cm × 1.2m. Hardy to -15°C.
Miss Jane
Double. Mid season to late. White with deep pink edge.
Dense compact bush. Impressive display but requires shelter from hot sun to
last. 50 cm high × 75 cm wide. Hardy to -15°C.
Saint James
Single. Mid season. Deep pink flushed reddish orange with a
light centre and purple blotch. Medium sized bush. 1 m high × 1 m wide. Hardy to
-15°C.
5b. Belgian-Glenn Dale hybrids
Developed by crossing Belgian Indicas with Glenn Dales in
an effort to get fancy flowers combined with hardiness. To some extent this was
successful but the plants are not vastly different from the Back Acres
strain.
Bayou
Single, ruffled. Early to mid season. Very pale pink with
darker flecks or sectors. Prolific flowering, makes a good display. 80 cm high ×
1 m wide. Hardy to -12°C.
Whitehouse
Single. Mid season. White with brownish markings. A dense,
spreading bush. 80 cm high × 1.2 m wide. Hardy to -12°C.
5c. August Kehr hybrids
Developed by another U.S. Department of Agriculture
employee, Dr. August Kehr, these hybrids represent a lifetime’s work. From the
many clones that he bred he released only the best and these can be unreservedly
recommended as extremely hardy and very beautiful plants.
Anna Kehr
Very full double. Mid season to late. Deep pink. Extremely
tightly packed double flowers. May take time to settle down to serious blooming
and will require shaping when young but is well worth the effort. 70 cm high ×
90 cm wide. Hardy to -20°C.
Great Expectations
Double. Mid season. Bright reddish orange. Heavy flowering
bush. Spreading growth habit. 50 cm high × 1 m wide. Hardy to -20°C.
White Rosebud
Very full double. Mid season. White. Extremely tight hose
in hose double. Very hardy. Sun tolerant for a white. 80 cm high × 1 m wide.
Hardy to -25°C.
5d. Carla hybrids
These hybrids were bred with disease resistance and
hardiness in mind. Vigour and healthy appearance are obvious.
Sunglow
Semi-double. Mid season to late. Deep purplish red. A
really intense colour and prolific flowering. A super vigorous bush. Highly
recommended. 1.5 m high × 1.8 m wide. Hardy to -15°C.
5e. Greenwood hybrids
Developed in Oregon, U.S.A. by using Kurume, Glenn Dale and
Gable hybrids these are very hardy hybrids that are noted for doing well in cool
climates. Most are very compact bushes.
Greenwood Orange
Double. Mid season. Reddish
orange. Masses of small flowers. Benefits from pruning as the bush can develop
an open growth habit. 80 cm high × 60 cm wide. Hardy to -20°C.
Pink Cloud
Double. Mid season. Deep pink. Strong growth and unusually
heavy foliage texture. 1 m high × 60 cm wide. Hardy to -20°C.
Royal Robe
Hose in hose. Mid season. Mid purple. Makes a dense compact
mound. Excellent for rockeries. 40 cm high × 60 cm wide. Hardy to
-20°C.
Tenino
Hose in hose. Mid season. Deep pinkish purple. Large blooms
on a small bush. 40 cm high × 80 cm wide. Hardy to -20°C.
5f. Harris hybrids
Developed by James Harris from 1970 onwards these cultivars
are very compact and heavy flowering. Quite hardy once established.
Ellie Harris
Hose in hose. Mid season. Light pink with a darker edge.
Heavy flowering medium sized bush. 1.2 m high × 1 m wide. Hardy to
-15°C.
Fascination
Single. Mid season. Deep red border with a white or pale
pink centre. Very much in the Satsuki style. Ideal for rockeries. 50 cm high ×
70 cm wide. Hardy to -12°C.
Frosted Orange
Single. Late. White with a reddish orange border.
Spectacular colour effect but as with all late flowers the display will not last
if the bush is in full sun. 80 cm high × 1 m wide. Hardy to -15°C.
Joan Garrett
Single. Mid season to late.
Beautiful orange pink shade with a reddish blotch. Huge flowers that are easily
damaged by sun or wind. 1 m high × 1.5 m wide. Hardy to -15°C.
Miss Suzie
Hose in hose. Mid season. Bright red. Very heavy flowering,
looks magnificent massed. Reddish foliage. Sun tolerant. 50 cm high × 75 cm
wide. Hardy to -20°C.
Pink Cascade
Single. Late. Deep pink with a reddish blotch. Low
spreading plant. Good for hanging baskets. 40 cm high × 90 cm wide. Hardy to
-15°C.
5g. North Tisbury hybrids
When Rhododendron nakaharai began to be cultivated a new
style of azalea made its appearance; the ground cover that could be adapted to
hanging baskets. These hybrids were developed by Polly Hill of Massachusetts
during the 1960s and 70s from seed and cuttings sent from Japan. The resulting
plants were interbred to produce these low mounding bushes.
The North Tisbury hybrids are grown as much for their form
as for their blooms. They tend to flower quite late in the season, which means
that they require some afternoon sun protection to preserve the blooms.
Unfortunately this detracts somewhat from their use in sunny rockeries,
therefore the flower display is often sacrificed to some extent so that full use
can be made of their unique growth habit. When grown as hanging baskets it is
easier to protect them when in flower.
Joseph Hill
Single. Late. Red. A very
low creeping plant. 20 cm high × 1.2 m wide. Hardy to -25°C.
Michael Hill
Hose in hose, frilled. Late. Mid pink. Frilled flowers and
spreading habit make it a suitable plant for hanging baskets. 30 cm high × 1.2 m
wide. Hardy to -25°C.
Pink Pancake
Single. Late. Mid pink with darker markings. An almost
prostrate plant that is superb in rockeries. 20 cm high × 1.2 m wide. Hardy to
-25°C.
Red Fountain
Single. Late. Red. A simple flower but a vibrant colour.
Cascade type growth. 20 cm high × 1.2 m wide. Hardy to -25°C.
Susannah Hill
Hose in hose. Late. Red. Has sun tolerant flowers making it
one of the best for exposed positions. 30 cm high × 1.2 m wide. Hardy to
-25°C.
5h. Nuccio hybrids
The Nuccios of California are better known for their work with camellias but they have also undertaken an extensive azalea breeding programme that is still continuing. Their latest releases show what can be achieved with the huge range of material now available to the hybridiser. Nuccio hybrids cover the whole spectrum of size and hardiness because a wide range of azaleas have been used in this programme.
Bit of Sunshine
Hose in hose. Early. Vivid reddish pink. Kurume in style; small flowers but a lot of them. A mass of colour. 1 m high × 1.2 m wide. Hardy to -20°C.
Butterfly
Single. Mid season. White. Occasionally hose in hose. The
flower has a delicate appearance and conspicuous protruding anthers. Requires
trimming to shape when young. 70 cm high × 1 m wide. Hardy to -12°C.
Carnival Clown
Single. Mid season. Vivid reddish purple. A huge and
spectacular flower. 80 cm high × 1 m wide. Hardy to -10°C.
Dancing Doll
Double. Mid season. Bright mid pink. Medium sized flower.
Dense growth. 1 m high × 1.2 m wide. Hardy to -10°C.
Dream Clouds
Double. Mid season. White with a yellowish throat. A nice
formal double and sun tolerant for a white. One of the best whites for exposed
positions. 70 cm high × 1 m wide. Hardy to -10°C.
Fashion
Single. Mid season. Light lavender purple, white in the
centre. A flower of very delicate appearance with conspicuous protruding
anthers. Subtle beauty. 70 cm high × 90 cm wide. Hardy to -12°C.
Garden Party
Semi-double hose in hose. Early to mid season. Bright mid
pink. Very nice but somewhat frost tender when young. 75 cm high × 1 m wide.
Hardy to -10°C.
Happy Days
Double. Early to mid season. Mid purple. A very attractive
formal double. The flowers last well over a long season. Fairly tender when
young. 75 cm high × 1 m wide. Hardy to -10°C.
Jewel Box
Single to hose in hose. Early to mid season. Bright pink.
Typically Kurume in appearance and habit. Foliage colours well in winter. 75 cm
high × 1 m wide. Hardy to -20°C.
Purple Glitters
Single. Early to mid season. Vivid purplish pink. Extremely
floriferous, impressive in full bloom. Kurume style. 1 m high × 1.5 m wide.
Hardy to -20°C.
Rose Glitters
Single. Early to mid season. Deep pink. A colour variation
of ‘Purple Glitters’. Both are sun tolerant. 80 cm high × 1.2 m wide. Hardy to
-20°C.
Sunburst
Semi-double. Mid season. Reddish orange. Compact and
floriferous. Very bright. Fairly tender when young. 50 cm high × 75 cm wide.
Hardy to -10°C.
5i. Pericat hybrids
Developed in the 1920s these were some of the first inter-group hybrids. Bred mainly as greenhouse forcing plants they are nevertheless quite hardy.
Gardenia Supreme
Semi-double hose in hose. Early. White with occasional
reddish flecks and green throat markings. Dense spreading growth. 60 cm high × 1
m wide. Hardy to -10°C.
Melody
Hose in hose. Mid season. Bright orange pink with a darker
blotch. Dense growth. Medium sized spreading bush. 60 cm high × 1 m wide. Hardy
to -12°C.
Mrs Fisher
Hose in hose. Mid season. Light orange pink with darker
markings. Heavy flowering. Good winter foliage colour. 75 cm high × 1 m wide.
Hardy to -15°C.
Sweetheart Supreme
Semi-double hose in hose. Mid season. Light pink with a
darker blotch. A very compact bush. Perfect flowers that look almost artificial.
50 cm high × 75 cm wide. Hardy to -15C.
5j. Robin Hill hybrids
These hybrids are the result of an extensive programme carried out from 1937 to 1981 by Robert Gartrell of Wyckoff, New Jersey, U.S.A. From 20,000 seedlings trialed he eventually released 69 cultivars. Most are medium sized hardy shrubs.
Betty Anne Voss
Semi-double, hose in hose. Late. Mid pink. A first rate
plant with good glossy dark foliage and a vigorous habit as well as heavy
flowering. 50 cm high × 1 m wide. Hardy to -20°C.
Blue Tip
Single. Late. Pinkish purple with a white centre. Very much
a Satsuki in appearance. 50 cm high × 80 cm wide. Hardy to -15°C.
Conversation Piece
Single. Mid season. White
to very pale pink with darker markings, sectors and flakes. A very variable
bloom in the Satsuki tradition. 80 cm high × 1 m wide. Hardy to -15°C.
Early Beni
Semi-double. Early to mid season. Deep orange red. Compact
and sun tolerant. 60 cm high × 80 cm wide. Hardy to -15°C.
Jeanne Weeks
Hose in hose. Mid season. Vivid purplish pink. Displays
many flower forms from single through to very full double. Heavy flowering
compact bush. 50 cm high × 1 m wide. Hardy to -15°C.
Lady Louise
Semi-double to double. Mid season. Deep apricot pink with
reddish markings. Suitable for most uses and very hardy. 70 cm high × 1 m wide.
Hardy to -15°C.
Maria Derby
Double. Mid season. Deep reddish orange. A vigorous hardy
cultivar. Good foliage colour. 80 cm high × 1 m wide. Hardy to -20° C
Nancy of Robinhill
Semi-double. Mid season to late. Light pink with darker
markings. This is a pretty flowered, low growing bush suitable for most uses. 60
cm high × 80 cm wide. Hardy to -15°C.
Robin Dale
Single. Mid season. An extremely variable flower ranging
from all white to all mid pink and anything between, all on one bush at one
time. 75 cm high × 1 m wide. Hardy to -15°C.
Robin Hill Gillie
Single. Mid season to late. Bright apricot pink with
splashes of white. Satsuki in appearance; very like ‘Eikan’. 50 cm high × 75 cm
wide. Hardy to -15°C.
Watchet
Single. Mid season to late. Mid pink with a white throat.
An excellent dwarf. Satsuki style. 40 cm high × 50 cm wide. Hardy to
-15°C.
White Moon
Single. Late. White with occasional pink splashes. Very Satsuki in style. Needs shade or the flowers will burn. 40 cm high × 75 cm wide. Hardy to -15°C.
5k. Wada hybrids
These hybrids originated in Japan before World War II at the nursery of Koichiro Wada, well known for work with Rhododendron yakushimanum. Regratably, these plants seem to be disappearing from cultivation.
Glory of Numazu
Single to semi-double, heavily ruffled. Early to mid season. Apricot pink with a lighter centre. A beautiful flower but unfortunately among the more frost tender, especially when young. Will amply repay any protection required. 50 cm high × 75 cm wide. Hardy to -6°C.
Red Emperor
Single. Mid season. Bright red. A form of Rhododendron scabrum with very large blooms that are easily damaged by sun or wind. A large spreading bush. 1.5 m high × 1.8 m wide. Hardy to -6°C.
6. Azaleodendrons
Azaleas are, of course, rhododendrons, but they have always been dealt with separately from the so-called true rhododendrons. Azaleodendrons are the result of crossing an azalea with a true rhododendron. The most often noted azaleodendrons are those crosses made with deciduous azaleas but crosses have also been made with evergreen azaleas.
The most successful have been those made by W.H. Hardijzer of Boskoop, Holland. He crossed Kurume azaleas with Rhododendron racemosum for most of his hybrids. The flowers are not spectacular individually but they are carried in a typically rhododendron-like truss so they make up for what they lack singly with sheer numbers. These cultivars are extremely hardy
Hardijzer’s Beauty
Single. Early. Bright mid pink. Up to fifty flowers blooms per truss on a mature plant. Can be spectacular but must be pruned to keep compact. 1.2 m high × 1.2 m wide. Hardy to -25°C.
Ria Hardijzer
Single. Early mid season. Reddish purple. An intense colour that really stands out in full bloom. 1.2 m high × 1.2 m wide. Hardy to -25°C.
Miscellaneous hybrids from unidentified groups
Considering the number of azalea cultivars it is not surprising that some confusion and misnaming occurs. It is unfortunate but true that nurserymen will give a plant a name, not necessarily the correct one, in order to avoid having to sell an unnamed plant. Sometimes these names stick so, inevitably, we come to this list of plants.
Ballet Dancer
Double. Mid season. Soft pink. Compact growth habit. Seems identical to the plant sold as ‘Dancer’, which is an alternative name for the Kerrigan Indica ‘Ballerina’. 50 cm high × 75 cm wide. Hardy to -8°C.
Crimson Delight
Double. Mid season. Deep red with darker throat markings. Seems to be an Indica. A good deep red. 60 cm high × 75 cm wide. Hardy to-12°C.
Fusa Imperial
Hose in hose. Mid season. Bright reddish pink. A compact bushy plant. Seems to be a Kurume/Kaempferi cross. 75 cm high × 1 m wide. Hardy to -12°C.
Gaiety
Single. Mid season to late. Bright mid pink. Heavy flowering spreading bush. This cultivar obviously has some nakaharai parentage. 60 cm high × 1.2 m wide. Hardy to -20°C. This is not the Glenn Dale cultivar of the same name.
Nico
Single. Early to mid season. Deep purplish red. A useful hardy low growing cultivar. Masses of flower. Its parentage is unknown but its hardiness, flower and foliage colour indicate that it is a Kaempferi. 60 cm high × 80 cm wide. Hardy to -20°C.
Orange Joy
Double. Early to mid season. Deep orange red. Has slightly variegated foliage. Prune to shape when young. 80 cm high × 1 m wide. Hardy to -10°C.
Orange Prince
Single. Mid season. Pinkish orange. Probably a Kurume. Benefits from pruning when young. 80 cm high × 1 m wide. Hardy to -12°C.
Pastel Petticoats
Semi-double to double. Mid season. Soft mid pink. Shows some clear mucronatum influence and is obviously closely related to ‘James Belton’ and ‘Rosa Belton’. 80 cm high × 1 m wide. Hardy to -10°C.
Species azaleas
These are the species as they would be found in the wild. Although many of the popular cultivated forms such as ‘Salmonea’ are merely varieties of a species as opposed to hybrids between species only natural self perpetuating forms are included in this section.
Rhododendron kanehirae
Single. Mid pink to light red. Early to mid season. Rare in cultivation and as yet not much used in hybridisation. Native to Taiwan. It is similar to R. indicum. Makes a dense bush. 1.2 m high × 1.5 m wide. Hardy to -12°C.
Rhododendron kiusianum
Single to hose in hose. Purple. Early. Japanese native. This species had a major influence in the Kurume azalea’s development. Its size ranges from very dwarf through to 1.5m. Extremely hardy and easy to grow. Hardy to -25°C.
Rhododendron nakaharae
Single. Bright orange red. Mid season to late. Prostrate growth habit. Extremely compact. Very hairy leaves. Taiwanese native. The principal parent of the North Tisbury hybrids. It makes a magnificent specimen for a pot. 12 cm high × 50 cm wide. Hardy to -20°C.
Rhododendron oldhamii
Single. Mid season to late. Orange red with darker spotting. Taiwanese native. A large open bush with sporadic flowers through summer. Very hairy light coloured foliage. 2m high × 2m wide. Hardy to -6°C.
Copyright Geoff Bryant
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