Rhododendron viscosum 'SOIR DE PARIS'

Swamp azaleas are a unique species of deciduous azalea of North American origin. These azaleas offer later flowering and extremely fragrant flowers. Soir de Paris is a hybrid between a deciduous azalea ‘Koster’s Brilliant Red’ and swamp azalea species, yet it has all features of a swamp azalea which is why we classify it as if belonging to the same category.

Soir de Paris produces soft pink, star-shaped flowers that are notably larger than those on common swamp azaleas. They release a strong and sweet fragrance which intensifies during the day. Blooming begins in late May and continues for about 3 weeks. Deciduous leaves are smaller than on other deciduous azaleas, broadly elliptic, and fresh green until autumn. It was bred by B.B.C.Felix from Boskoop, the Netherlands, in 1938.

Swamp azaleas love damp soil and plenty of sun. The roots are shallow, spreading to sides in search for nutrients. Never plant them too deep. The soil has to be acidic (pH 4.5-5.5), rich in humus, cool and always moist. Ideal soil mixture is peat with lime-free, light garden soil topped with leaf-mould. For richer flowering and growth dead-head where possible. Hardy to about -29°C (USDA zone 5).

Last update 29-05-2017