Azalea japonica 'FRIDOLINE' Japanese azalea
Rhodovit (ericoid)Azalea
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 in mid spring.
Another red flowering Japanese azalea from Hans Hachmann was bred in 1987 and was named Fridoline. It has medium-sized flowers: 4-4,5 cm wide of bright red colour. It blooms in late spring, from end May until mid June. Slow grower, mound-forming.
Leaves are mid to 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. They are fully hardy to about -29 �C (USDA zone 5).
Last update 10-01-2009.
