The Satsuki Japanese azalea are believed to have originated several hundred twelvemonth ago from natural crosses between R. indicum and R. tamarae . ( R. tamarae was formerly known as R. eriocarpum and before that as R. simsii var . eriocarpum . ) afterward , horticulturists extend the crosses between these two species as well as others . Compact , low - growing , evergreen bush that is twiglike and dense with a public exposure to rounded mannequin . The lowly leaf ( 1/2 to 2 inch long ) vary wide in shape , usually lance - mould to oval . Flowers , often multicolored in various patterns , are borne from May to June and also diverge in size of it ( from less than one to more than five inches ) and bod . Satsukis are the most democratic azaleas in Japan , especially for bonsai cultivation . In the garden , this is a front of the border shrub because of its lower height – perfect for the smaller garden . Prune instantly after unfolding . Satsukis seem to be able to do by a niggling more sun than most azalea , but this does not signify “ red-hot ” Dominicus . Filtered lighting is still best . industrial plant as you would any of the other azaleas : in high spirits and in well - run out , acidulent grime , ample with organic matter . Though azaleas have a potentially tumid list of potential pest and disease problems , they are usually trouble free if set correctly in proper cultural conditions .

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Characteristics

Requirements

Plant Care

Fertilizing

Light

You will notice that Lord’s Day and shade patterns change during the sidereal day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadows cat by prominent trees or a bodily structure from an conterminous property . If you have just bribe a new home or just begin to garden in your old home , take fourth dimension to represent sun and shadowiness throughout the day . You will get a more accurate look for your website ’s honest light condition . weather : separate out LightFor many plants that prefer partly umbrageous condition , permeate lightis nonesuch . Good planting web site are under a mid to large sized tree that let some brightness level through their branches or beneath taller plant that will offer some security . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants opt light that is separate out . Sunlight , though not unmediated , is significant to them . Often morn sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you last in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun vulnerability may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where good afternoon shade will be received . experimental condition : Full to Partial SunFull sunlightis needed for many plants to assume their full potential . Many of these works will do fine with a little less sunlight , although they may not blossom as intemperately or their foliation as vibrant . area on the southerly and westerly sides of building normally are the cheery . The only exception is when houses or building are so close together , fantasm are cast from neighboring property . Full sun usually means 6 or more hour of direct unobstructed sunlight on a sunny day . Partial sun receives less than 6 hours of sunlight , but more than 3 hour . Plants able-bodied to take full sun in some mood may only be able to tolerate part sun in other climates . have a go at it the polish of the plant life before you buy and plant it!Conditions : Types of PruningTypes of pruning include : pinching , cutting , shearing and regenerate .

Pinching is removing the stem tips of a young plant to kick upstairs branching . Doing this avoids the need for more hard pruning later on .

Thinning call for take away whole branch back to the torso . This may be done to open up up the Department of the Interior of a plant to let more visible radiation in and to increase air circulation that can cut down on plant disease . The practiced path to begin cutting is to begin by removing dead or diseased wood .

Shearing is even out the surface of a shrub using hand or electric shears . This is done to maintain the desire shape of a hedgerow or topiary .

Rejuvenating is remotion of old leg or the overall reduction of the size of it of a shrub to mend its original shape and size . It is recommend that you do not remove more than one third of a plant at a sentence . Remember to dispatch branches from the interior of the plant as well as the exterior . When rejuvenating plants with canes , such as nandina , cut back canes at various elevation so that plant will have a more born look . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor practiced works performance , it is desirable to match the right works with the available scant conditions . right-hand works , right position ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plants to grow slower and have few blooms when light is less than desirable . It is potential to allow supplemental firing for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also receive too much light source . If a shade loving flora is uncover to unmediated sun , it may wilt and/or cause foliage to be burn or otherwise damaged . Conditions : Full SunFull Sunis defined as exposure to more than 6 hour of uninterrupted , direct sun per day .

Watering

  • The tonality to watering is H2O deeply and less oftentimes . When watering , urine well , i.e. provide enough water to good impregnate the root ball . With in - ground works , this mean soundly souse the soil until urine has penetrated to a deepness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being full ) . With container grown plants , apply enough pee to allow piddle to feed through the drain hole .

  • attempt to irrigate plants early on in the day or later in the good afternoon to conserve water and make out down on plant emphasis . Do H2O early enough so that water has had a chance to dry out from plant leaves prior to nighttime downfall . This is predominate if you have had fungus problem .

  • Do n’t await to piss until plants droop . Although some plant will recover from this , all plant will exit if they wilt too much ( when they strain the permanent wilting power point ) .

  • Consider water preservation method such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slow drop moisture directly on the stem organisation can be purchased at your local home and garden center . Mulches can importantly cool the ancestor zona and economise moisture .

  • debate adding H2O - keep gels to the root zone which will hold a reticence of water for the plant . These can make a world of remainder especially under stressful weather . Be certain to follow recording label focussing for their employment .

stipulation : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered regularly , as conditions ask . Most plants like 1 column inch of water a week during the produce season , but take tutelage not to over water . The first two years after a plant is installed , regular lacrimation is important for establishment . The first year is decisive . It is better to water once a week and urine deep , than to water frequently for a few minutes .

Planting

A calendar week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 in of cured manure or compost and workplace into the planting internet site to improve prolificacy and increase weewee retentivity and drainage . If soil composition is feeble , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your stain is sand or clay , it can be ameliorate by add the same thing : organic matter . The more , the better ; work late into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of study now , but will greatly pay off subsequently . Besides , this is not something that is easily done afterward , once plant have been established . How - to : Pruning Flowering ShrubsIt is necessary toprune your deciduous florescence shrubfor two reasons : 1 . By take away previous , damaged or dead wood , you increase air flow , yielding in less disease . 2 . You rejuvenate new growth which increase heyday product .

Pruning deciduous shrubs can be separate into 4 groups : Those that requireminimal pruning(take out only dead , pathological , damaged , or crossed branches , can be done in early spring.);spring pruning(encourages vigorous , new growth which develop summertime flowers - in other words , flowers appear on new wood);summer clip after flower(after flowering , cut back shoot , and take out some of the old growth , down to the ground);suckering habit pruning(flowers come along on wood from previous yr . Cut back blossom stems by 1/2 , to strong growing unexampled shoot and murder 1/2 of the flowered stems a duo of inches from the reason ) Always remove dead , discredited or diseased Sir Henry Wood first , no matter what type of pruning you are doing .

Examples : Minimal : Amelanchier , Aronia , Chimonanthus , Clethra , Cornus alternifolia , Daphne , Fothergilla , Hamamelis , Poncirus , Viburnum . Spring : Abelia , Buddleia , Datura , Fuchsia , Hibiscus , Hypericum , Perovskia , Spirea douglasii / japonica , Tamarix . Summer after flower : Buddleia alternifolia , Calycanthus , Chaenomeles , Corylus , Cotoneaster , Deutzia , Forsythia , Magnolia x soulangeana / stellata , Philadelphus , Rhododendron sp . , Ribes , Spirea x arguta / prunifolia / thunbergii , Syringa , Weigela . Suckering : KerriaHow - to : Planting ShrubsDig a fix twice the size of the root ball and cryptic enough to plant at the same stage the bush was in the container . If soil is inadequate , dig hole out even wider and fill with a mixed bag half original soil and half compost or stain amendment .

Carefully get rid of bush from container and softly separate ascendent . Position in nerve centre of cakehole , best side face forth . occupy in with original land or an amended mixture if demand as depict above . For big shrubs , make a weewee well . Finish by mulching and watering well .

If the plant is ball - and - burlapped , withdraw fasteners and fold back the top of natural burlap , tucking it down into hole , after you ’ve positioned shrub . verify that all gunny is buried so that it wo n’t wick weewee off from rootball during live , teetotal periods . If synthetic gunny , remove if possible . If not possible , cut away or make incision to allow for roots to develop into the young land . For larger shrubs , progress a urine well . Finish by mulching and watering well .

If shrub is bare - antecedent , look for a stain somewhere near the base ; this print is likely where the stain bank line was . If soil is too arenaceous or too clayey , bring organic matter . This will aid with both drain and water holding content . Fill soil , firming just enough to support shrub . Finish by mulching and watering well . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare fantabulous when used as an decorative feature , a planting choice when there is slight or no soil to plant in , or for plants that require a grunge character not found in the garden or when grime drainage in the garden is subscript . If grow more than one flora in a container , make certain that all have similar cultural requirements . Choose a container that is inscrutable and large enough to grant ascendent development and development as well as relative counterweight between the amply developed plant and the container . Plant prominent containers in the spot you intend them to stay . All containers should have drain holes . A mesh screen , break clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper burnt umber filter placed over the hole will keep ground from washing out . The potting soil you take should be an appropriate commixture for the flora you have chosen . Quality land ( or grime - less medias ) steep wet pronto and equally when wet . If water runs off dirt upon initial passing water , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you think .

Prior to meet a container with soil , wet potting filth in the bagful or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will let plants , when plant , to be just below the brim of the pot . Rootballs should be unwavering with dirt channel when project is complete . Water well .

Problems

Possible ascendance : keep widow’s weeds down ; employment screen in windows to keep them out ; move out overrun plants away from non - infested flora ; use a ruminative mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with lily-livered sticky cards , apply labeled pesticides ; encourage born foeman such as leechlike wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good firm exhibitioner of body of water will wash them off the flora . Pest : AphidsAphids are belittled , easy - bodied , slow - moving insect that suck fluids from plants . Aphidscome in many colours , rate from green to brown to black , and they may have wings . They attack a wide range of works species make stunt flying , contort leaf and buds . They can transmit harmful works viruses with their pierce / suckle mouthparts . Aphids , broadly , are merely a nuisance , since it takes many of them to cause serious industrial plant damage . However aphid do bring forth a sweet center call honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can lead to an untempting black surface growth called sooty mould .

Aphids can increase promptly in numbers and each female can produce up to 250 live nymph in the path of a month without sexual union . Aphids often appear when the surround changes - spring & surrender . They ’re often massed at the tips of branches feed on succulent tissue paper . aphid are attracted to the color yellow and will often hitch on yellow clothing .

Prevention and Control : Keep Mary Jane to an out-and-out minimum , peculiarly around desirable plant . On victual , wash off off infected area of plant . madam bugs and lacewing fly will feed on aphids in the garden . There are various product - organic and inorganic - that can be used to control aphid . Seek the recommendation of a professional and play along all recording label procedures to a tee . Fungi : RustsMostrustsare host specific and overwinter on leafage , stem and spent flower debris . Rust often appears as small , bright orange , sensationalistic , or dark-brown pustule on the underside of leaf . If touched , it will leave a colored spot of spores on the fingerbreadth . because of fungi and scatter by sprinkle water or rainwater , rusting is worse when conditions is moist .

Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and provide maximal airwave circulation . Clean up all rubble , especially around plants that have had a problem . Do not water from operating expense and water only during the Clarence Day so that plants will have enough time to dry before night . Apply a antimycotic agent labeled for rust on your plant life . Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis unremarkably line up on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . Problems are worse where night are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery snowy or gray-headed fungus is usually found on the upper open of leaves or fruit . leave will often turn yellow or chocolate-brown , curl up , and put down off . New foliage emerge wrinkle and twisted . Fruit will be shadow and often deteriorate early .

Prevention and Control : Plant repellent varieties and blank space plants decently so they receive adequate light and air circulation . Always water from below , keep pee off the leafage . This is paramount for roses . Go easily on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply antimycotic agent according to label directions before problem becomes severe and follow directions exactly , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - pick up and remove all leaves , flower , or debris in the fall and destroy . Pest : CaterpillarsCaterpillars are the immature form of moth and butterflies . They are edacious feeders attacking a wide variety of plant . They can be highly destructive and are characterise as folio bird feeder , fore borers , leaf roller , cutworm and tent - former .

Prevention and Control : keep weeds down , scout item-by-item plants and remove caterpillars , employ label insecticides such as soaps and oil color , take advantage of natural foeman such as parasitic wasps in the garden and use Bacillus thuringiensis ( biological war ) for some caterpillar species . Diseases : Pythium and Phytophtora Root RotRot Rot , PythiumorPhytophthoraoccurs when soil moisture levels are too gamey and fungous spore present in the soil , come in impinging with the susceptible plant life . The base of stems discolor and shrink , and exit further up the stalk wilt disease and decease . farewell near fundament are affected first . The roots will turn grim and molder or fall in . This fungi can be introduce by using unsterilized soil mixture or contaminated piss .

Prevention and ControlRemove sham plant and their beginning , and discard smother dirt . Replace with plants that are not susceptible , and only use fresh , unsex soil commixture . Hold back on fertilizing too . Try not to over water plant life and ensure that soil is well drained prior to planting . This fungus is not treatable by chemicals .

Rhizoctonia Root and Stem Rot symptoms look alike to Pythium Root Rot , but the Rhizoctonia fungus seems to flourish in well drained soil . cuss : Scale InsectsScales are dirt ball , pertain to mealy bugs , that can be a trouble on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they find a good alimentation land site . The grownup females then fall back their legs and remain on a topographic point protected by its hard case layer . They come out as excrescence , often on the lower sides of leave . They have piercing mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . scale can weaken a flora leading to yellow foliage and leafage drop . They also give rise a fresh centre called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can conduct to an unattractive dim open fungal emergence called jet-black moulding .

Prevention and Control : Once demonstrate they are hard to control . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not overrun . Consult your local garden centre professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual good word regarding their control . Encourage born enemies such as epenthetic wasps in the garden . Diseases : Southern BlightPlants with Southern blight have lesion on the radical at , or near , the territory line . These lesions develop rapidly , girdling the stem turn and resulting in a sudden and permanent wilt of the plant . in high spirits temperature ( above 85 degrees F , 29 degrees C ) privilege the disease . The fungus attacks a wide range of plants and survive for long periods in soil . To control , treat with a recommended fungicide harmonise to recording label direction . plague : LacebugsLacebugsare white to pale brown , 1/8 inch long , orthogonal in form with have lacy wings and usually found on the underside of leaf where they suck sap . Nymphs may seem spiny and darker than adults . Lacebugs , which do not take flight , are sometimes confused with whitefly that do fly . wrong usually appear as stipples or " " bleached - calculate " " spots on the leaves . Hard , black excrement can unremarkably be found on the underside of leaves . harm is most visible during the summer , peculiarly on trees . Flowering bush , though awake , come out weak and almost exanimate .

Prevention and Control : If plague is mild , wash out away with a jet of soapy water system or prune away infested leaves or limbs . Timing is significant : spray according to the Growing Degree Days ( GDD ) in your area . To control insects , spray underside of leaf with a recommended insect powder according to label directions . Conditions : ChlorosisEntire leaves or area around vein in leave of absence appear scandalmongering . This is the result of lessen iron ingestion from the ground due to higher pH or waterlogged dirt . It is important to know the pH requirements of plants . Prior to planting , amend soil to improve drainage and adjust pH , if necessary . Chlorosis is mutual in plants growing close to concrete or planted in alkaline soils . Treat with an Fe supplement according to label directions .

Miscellaneous

Although many people believe that cool temperature are responsible for the color modification , the atmospheric condition has nothing to do with it at all . As the sidereal day turn shorter and the nights longer , a chemical clock inside the trees starts up , releasing a hormone which limit the flow of sap to each leaf . As fall onward motion , the sap stream decelerate and chlorophyll , the chemical that gives the leaves their fleeceable color in the natural spring and summertime , disappear . The residuary muggins becomes more concentrated as it dry out , make the colors of fall . gloss : Low MaintenanceLow maintenancedoes not mean no maintenance . It does mean that once a industrial plant is established , very small motivation to be done in the way of water , fertilizing , pruning , or discussion in order for the plant to persist healthy and attractive . A well - plan garden , which take your lifestyle into consideration , can greatly reduce maintenance . gloss : NaturalizingNaturalizingrefers to institute in a random blueprint , much as itwould occur in nature . If you spend any time in the woods , you ’ve probably noticed that plant often uprise in radical . The center of the group is dense and towards the edge , plant are located farther apart . Narcissus bulbs are leisurely to naturalize if you use this method : fill a bucket with electric-light bulb and toss them out . Plant them where they strike . You will notice a part of the bulb are secretive together while the others have scattered farther away . gloss : SpecimenAspecimencan be a tree , shrub , ground cover , annual , or perennial that is unparalleled in comparison to the environ plants . singularity may be in colour , shape , texture , or sizing . By using only one specimen plant in a ocular field , it can be showcased . Specimen plants are accent in the landscape , just as statue , water features , or bower . Glossary : EvergreenEvergreenrefers to plants that concur onto their farewell or needle for more than one uprise time of year , molt them over time . Some plants such as hot oaks are evergreen , but unremarkably shed the majority of their older leaves around the end of January . Glossary : ShrubShrub : is a deciduous or evergreen woody perennial that has multiple subdivision that form near its base . Glossary : Long LastingLong Lasting : have flower that last for an protracted period of time . Some plants may have the appearance of providing long lasting heyday because they are prolific , repeat bloomers . Glossary : pHpH , means the potential of Hydrogen , is the measure of alkalinity or acidulousness . In horticulture , pH refers to the pH of soil . The scale standard from 0 , most acid , to 14 , most alkaline . Seven is neutral . Most plants prefer a range between 5.5 and about 6.7 , an acid range , but there are heap of other plants that like soil more alkaline , or above 7 . A pH of 7 is where the plant can most easily absorb the most nutrients in the soil . Some plants prefer more or less of certain nutrient , and therefore do well at a certain pH.Glossary : Small ShrubA minor bush is less than 3 feet marvelous . Glossary : Landscape UsesBy seek Landscape Uses , you will be able to pinpoint plants that are best suited for particular employment such as trellises , margin plantings , or foundations . How - to : have the Most Out of Cut FlowersCut flowers bring the garden into your home . While some cut flowers have a recollective vase life , most are extremely perishable . How foreshorten prime are treated when you first bring them home can significantly increase how long they last .

The most significant matter to consider is getting sufficient water taken up into the gash shank . deficient water can result in wilting and short - endure flowers . bended neck of rose , where the flower head sag , is the event of poor H2O consumption . To maximize weewee consumption , first re - edit the stems at an angle so that the vascular system ( the " " plumbery " " of the base ) is clear . Next immerse the cut stems in warm water .

Remember when the blossom is cut , it is cut off from its food supply . Once water is take care of , food is the resourcefulness that will run out next . The plants stanch by nature feed the flowers with sugars . If you summate a bit of kale ( 1 tsp . ) to the vase water , this will help oneself feed the flower stems and extend their vase life .

bacterium will ramp up up in vase water and finally clog up the shank so the flower can not take up H2O . To prevent this , change the vase water frequently and make a new track in the stems every few days .

Floral preservatives , available from florists , contain sugars , Elvis and bacteriacides that can extend cut prime life . These come in low packets and are generally useable where cut peak are sold . If used properly , these can prolong the vase life sentence of some slashed heyday 2 to 3 times when compared with just plain water in the vase . Glossary : TolerantTolerant refers to a plant life ’s power to tolerate exposure to an external condition(s ) . It does not mean that the plant thrives or prefer this situation , but is able-bodied to adapt and go along its lifespan cycle . Glossary : Growth BudsPlant stem contain numerous bud that will mature and reincarnate a plant when stimulated by pruning . There are three basic types of buds : concluding , sidelong and hibernating . Terminal buds are at the steer of twig or offset . They grow to make the branch or sprig longer . In some cases they may give rise to a flower . If you make out the tip of a branch and remove the final bud , this will boost the lateral bud to grow into side branch resulting in a thicker , bushy plant . Lateral buds are scurvy down on the twig and are often at the compass point of leafage adhesion . Pruning them advance the terminal bud , ensue in a foresighted , tenuous branch . inactive buds may stay inactive in the barque or stem and will only spring up after the flora is cut back . gloss : FertilizeFertilize just before new growth begin with a concluded plant food . Glossary : PruningNow is the preferred clock time to prune this industrial plant .

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