Azalea japonica 'Rosalind'

7/6-2009

We purchased this plant a few years ago. It was in flower when we purchased it and we were very much in love with the "strong" color it had. But the actual charmer were the leaves: rounded form with a green/yellow colour that turns into orange in Automn. It did not fit in in the rest of the garden, but we did not care. We purchased it anyway and put it next to the rhododendrons. It felt right to keep the plants that need peat in one locations.

Everything was fine, until the first really cold winter came in 2009-2010. Then it looked like it had died. It looked dry and hopeless in spring. After a few months, some few greenish leaves became visible and we realised, it had made it. Some branches gave a few flowers, too. The rest got flower mummies (rather cute, but I think they were actually sick or at least impested with undesired fungus. I do not know. We did though not have the heart to throw the poor plant away.
Winter 2010-2011 was as cold and the plant did not do so well either. In spring I removed all flower mummies and somewhat it seemed to get some of its greens back. A few flowers were there, too. Keep it or through it away?!

21/5-2011

Right now, we took it into consideration when "refurbishing" in the garden. But worst case scenario, we'll have to find a substitute for it. Not completely impossible either... :O)
On the other hand, we did not follow the instructions very carefully. E.g. we did not ever remove the faded flowers.

Producer's description
Soak plant in water before planting. Dig hole of twice the width and depth of the ball. Insert plant and fill up with soil. Water well after planting.
Care/cutting: To support flowering of the next year, carefully remove faded flowers.
Flowering time: May/June, pure pink with fine red blotches.
Growth/size: Upright growing, 80cm high and 120cm wide.
Position: Light shade, loose, humus-rich, moist, but well drained soil
Fertilization/nutrition: Use customary commercial fertilizers (few calcareous) in spring and summer.
Hardyness: Frost tolerant (Deb's note: not really true! It did take serious damage each cold winter)