Azalea 'CECILE'

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.

Cecile is a large-flowered deciduous azalea from the Exbury hybrids group. In late May it produces up to 8 cm wide, strongly fragrant flowers which combine pale pink, dark pink, soft apricot orange colour, and a golden yellow flare. It grows moderately into a compact shrub about 1.5m tall and wide. Deciduous leaves are mid green, oval to elliptic, fresh green in summer and orange, bronze, and red in autumn. Bred by Lionel de Rothschild, the founder of Exbury Gardens in England, and registered in 1947. It was awarded Rhododendron of the Year in 2007.

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 04-07-2021