Azalea 'JUANITA'

Deciduous azaleas are probably the most striking flowering shrubs. Their colours are vivid and bright, and often have the shades that not many rhododendrons can offer. They need full sun.

Renowned breeders of rhododendrons and azaleas from Germany Hans Hachmann and his son Holger also hybridized a number of deciduous azaleas, such as Juanita which was introduced in 1979. It is a lovely variety with large flowers whose colour is so joyful and optimistic – rich pink with a deep golden-yellow blotch. On a sunny day it explodes with its cheerful colour combination that surely brings a happy smile to every grumpy face. Deciduous leaves are soft green, oval to elliptic, and turn golden orange and yellow in autumn. Young plants grow upright and quite fast making some 20-30 cm per year. When they reach about 1 meter tall they slow down and become bushier and wider so adult plants of Juanita azalea are almost as wide as tall.

Deciduous azaleas are ericaceous plants, loving insulate position with always moist soil. During temporary summer dry spells in certain areas their leaves may suffer and be prone to fungus infections. When spots appear on the leaves or they lose colour and start to curl use a suitable fungicide immediately. 1-2 sprays should help the plant remain beautiful and healthy. They require no pruning. Should you need to shape or rejuvenate your plant do so as early in the spring as possible so that it can still make new twigs with flower buds for the next season. It re-sprouts reliably. It has many surface roots which spread to sides in search for nutrients and water. The best soil mixture consists of peat, lime-free compost and leaf-mould. Fully hardy to min. -34°C (USDA zone 4).

Last update 01-12-2012