Azalea x 'PERLA DEL VERBANO'

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.

Perla del Verbano is a sensational new variety of evergreen hybrid azalea that originated in Northern Italy. It bears profusion of bright pink, double = hose in hose flowers from end June until late July. They appear continuously so you can enjoy them for as long as a month under ideal conditions. Perla del Verbano can be a fantastic feature in summer gardens where it offers flowering when all spring flowers have gone, so do not hesitate placing it near a swimming pool or at a patio where you spend time on hot and sunny days of summer. Evregreen leaves are elongated, quite narrow, medium green and partly glossy. They cover the shrub almost completely. This azalea is a spreading variety growing predominantly to sides making a nice cushion with attractive flowers.

Azaleas usually need no pruning but can be clipped to shapes in early July after flowering. 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. If can be placed in full sun if grown in excellent soil with equal moisture throughout the season. They need light, permeable soil that is acid, constantly moist (keep azaleas mulched at all times) and moderately fertile. Use fertilizers for rhododendrons and azaleas, or ericaceous plants. The best soil mix is 1/3 of peat, 1/3 of leaf-mould or lime-free compost, and 1/3 of soil from the hole where you are going to plant it. Azaleas have shallow roots, so do not plant not too deep. If leaves turn yellow or fall down after winter it is planted in wet or heavy soil. Hardy to about -21°C (USDA zone 6b).

Last update 05-07-2010