Azalea japonica 'ARABESK'

Japanese azaleas are very popular features of our gardens. In their home climate they grow to relatively substantial shrubs, as opposed to limited sizes in our continental, dry climate. They are very floriferous, maintenance-free shrubs that usually bloom from mid to late spring.

Arabesk is an attractive variety of Japanese azalea with large, deep red flowers. They come out in profusion from mid until end May. The evergreen foliage is dark green, with some burgundy red shades in autumn and winter, changing back to green before it starts flowering. This azalea grows slowly, making a neat and compact shrub which will remain dense even without pruning.

Japanese azaleas can be clipped to shapes in early June. If so, do not use fertilizers enhancing growth rate. The size of new branches would get out hand and spoil the shape you are going to achieve. They need light, permeable soil that is acid, constantly moist (keep azaleas mulched at all times) and moderately fertile. Use fertilizers for rhododendrons and azaleas, or ericaceous plants. The best soil mix is 1/3 of peat, 1/3 of leaf-mould or lime-free compost, and 1/3 of soil from the hole where you are going to plant it. Azaleas have shallow roots, so do not plant not too deep. Hardy to approx. -24°C° (USDA zone 6) but may probably take lower temperatures.

Last update 06-01-2011