Azalea japonica 'MARINJA'^®

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.

Marinja^® is another jewel among Japanese azaleas with double flowers. Its flowers are pure pink, 4-5.5 cm wide and each flower bears 17-21 flower petals. They come out from end May until mid June. It was bred by Hans Hachmann in 2004. It grows slowly, 10-year old plant is about 45 cm high and only 70 cm wide.

Leaves are dark green, ovate, only about 2-3 cm long. In semi-shade and shade they remain on the shrub throughout winter, if placed in full sun some leaves may fall down. New leaves will then emerge after flowering.

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 them too deep. This variety proved hardy to -24°C° (USDA zone 6) but will probably take lower temperatures.

Last update 29-12-2008.