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Satsuki AZAlea (Rhododendron Indicum) - Satsuki is the Japanese word for fifth moon or May. In BONSAI>BONSAI>BONSAI most usually applied to Azaleas because of their tendency to flower for about a month in May.
Azaleas are MEmbers of the Rhododendron family, and are generally thought of as small varieties of that family. However many miniature Rhododendrons have been classified so this does not hold true.
Azaleas and rhododendrons are the same plant, both ERICACEOUS (lime-hating), with thousands of CULTIVARs. They are noted for the wide VARIETY and vibrancy of colours of FLOWERS which bloom mostly on "garden" specimens in mid-spring. Most popular for bonsai are the SATSUKI AZALEAs which are distinguished by often having multiple different coloured blooms on the same tree.
STYLE : Best in all sizes and all styles, except broom.
WARNING : Some fertilizers can be slightly ALKALINE so ensure truly ERICACEOUS FERTILIZER only is used.
Care Info
Satsuki AZAlea (Rhododendron Indicum) -
REPOT : After flowering. Annually when young or as ROOTS fill the pot when they get older.
SOIL : ACID (liME free) free draining soil : 30:70 GRIT:organic.
PRUNE : Branches in autumn.
PINCH : Cut flower stems after flower starts to wither. Lightly prune secondary SHOOTS until mid summer.
WATER : Water well in growing season, sparingly in winter. Do not let soil dry out.
FEED : Two weekly ericaceous feed during growing season, low nitrogen in autumn.
WARNING : Some fertilizers can be slightly ALKALINE so ensure truly ERICACEOUS FERTILIZER only is used.
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