The Satsuki Japanese azaleas are believed to have rise several hundred years ago from natural crosses between R. indicum and R. tamarae . ( R. tamarae was formerly eff as R. eriocarpum and before that as R. simsii var . eriocarpum . ) after , horticulturists continued the crosses between these two specie as well as others . Compact , low - growing , evergreen plant bush that is twiggy and heavy with a spreading to rounded chassis . The small leaves ( 1/2 to 2 inches long ) vary widely in shape , normally lance - mould to elliptical . Flowers , often multicolored in various patterns , are borne from May to June and also vary in size of it ( from less than one to more than five inches ) and shape . Satsukis are the most popular azaleas in Japan , particularly for bonsai culture . In the garden , this is a front of the border bush because of its lower height – consummate for the little garden . Prune immediately after flowering . Satsukis seem to be able-bodied to treat a little more sunlight than most azaleas , but this does not mean “ hot ” sun . sink in light is still proficient . flora as you would any of the other azalea : high and in well - drained , acidulous soil , deep with constitutive subject . Though azalea have a potentially prominent leaning of possible pest and disease trouble , they are commonly trouble costless if institute correctly in proper cultural stipulation .

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Characteristics

Requirements

Plant Care

Fertilizing

Light

You will detect that sun and nicety patterns change during the mean solar day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadow cast by large trees or a social structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bribe a new home or just set out to garden in your older home , take time to map out Sunday and tincture throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s true light condition . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many flora that prefer partially shady weather condition , filtered lightis ideal . beneficial planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some light through their limb or beneath taller plants that will provide some protection . weather : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is separate out . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as potent as afternoon Sunday , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you be in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunshine exposure may be okay . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where good afternoon wraith will be received . condition : Full to Partial SunFull sunlightis needed for many plant to assume their full potential . Many of these plants will do fine with a picayune less sunlight , although they may not flower as heavy or their foliage as vivacious . Areas on the southern and westerly position of buildings usually are the gay . The only exception is when house or building are so close together , shadows are cast from neighboring properties . Full sun usually means 6 or more minute of lineal unobstructed sun on a sunny day . Partial sunshine receives less than 6 hour of sunshine , but more than 3 hours . plant able to take full sunlight in some clime may only be capable to stomach part sun in other climates . Know the culture of the flora before you buy and plant it!Conditions : Types of PruningTypes of pruning include : pinching , cutting , shearing and rejuvenating .

Pinching is removing the stem steer of a young plant to further separate . Doing this avoids the need for more grave pruning later on on .

cutting involves off whole subdivision back to the body . This may be done to open up the interior of a flora to let more light in and to increase melody circulation that can cut down on flora disease . The best agency to begin thinning is to get by removing idle or diseased woodwind instrument .

Shearing is leveling the surface of a bush using hand or electrical shear . This is done to maintain the desired shape of a hedging or topiary .

rejuvenate is removal of old branches or the overall reduction of the size of it of a bush to restore its original form and size . It is recommend that you do not remove more than one third of a plant at a clock time . Remember to remove branches from the inside of the flora as well as the exterior . When rejuvenate works with canes , such as nandina , veer back canes at various heights so that plant will have a more natural look . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor skilful plant life performance , it is suitable to equal the correct plant with the available weak condition . Right plant , right place ! works which do not pick up sufficient luminance may become pallid in colour , have few leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also wait plants to grow slower and have fewer prime when brightness is less than worthy . It is possible to bring home the bacon subsidiary ignition for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also find too much Light Within . If a subtlety have a go at it plant is exposed to verbatim sun , it may wilt and/or cause leaf to be sunburn or otherwise damaged . Conditions : Full SunFull Sunis defined as exposure to more than 6 hours of uninterrupted , lineal sun per twenty-four hour period .

Watering

  • The key to lacrimation is water deep and less frequently . When lacrimation , weewee well , i.e. provide enough water system to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With in - flat coat plants , this means soundly soaking the grunge until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , practice enough water to permit urine to flow through the drainage holes .

  • try out to water works early in the day or later in the good afternoon to conserve urine and trim down down on plant accent . Do water supply ahead of time enough so that urine has had a chance to dry from plant leaves prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problem .

  • Do n’t expect to H2O until plants droop . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will die if they droop too much ( when they hand the permanent wilting spot ) .

  • Consider pee conservation methods such as dribble irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip system which slowly drop moisture direct on the root system can be purchased at your local home and garden center . mulch can importantly chill the root geographical zone and maintain moisture .

  • Consider adding water - save gels to the root zone which will hold a modesty of body of water for the plant . These can make a world of conflict especially under trying precondition . Be certain to follow label direction for their use .

weather condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that dirt should be kept evenly moist and water regularly , as condition require . Most plants like 1 column inch of piss a week during the growing time of year , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a works is install , steady watering is important for formation . The first year is critical . It is better to water once a week and water deeply , than to body of water oftentimes for a few min .

Planting

A calendar week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inch of of age manure or compost and piece of work into the planting site to improve richness and increase water holding and drain . If filth composition is weak , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your land is sand or clay , it can be improved by adding the same thing : organic matter . The more , the better ; work late into the dirt . fix beds to an 18 inch inscrutable for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly devote off later . Besides , this is not something that is easy done later , once plants have been found . How - to : Pruning Flowering ShrubsIt is necessary toprune your deciduous unfolding shrubfor two reason : 1 . By withdraw old , damaged or dead wood , you increase air flow , concede in less disease . 2 . You regenerate new growth which increases prime production .

Pruning deciduous shrubs can be carve up into 4 group : Those that requireminimal pruning(take out only dead , diseased , discredited , or crossed branch , can be done in early spring.);spring pruning(encourages vigorous , newfangled growth which produce summer flowers - in other Word of God , flowers seem on newfangled wood);summer pruning after flower(after flowering , cut back shoots , and take out some of the old growth , down to the ground);suckering habit pruning(flowers appear on wood from premature twelvemonth . Cut back flowered stems by 1/2 , to impregnable grow novel shoot and polish off 1/2 of the flowered stem a couple of inch from the ground ) Always remove dead , discredited or diseased wood first , no matter what eccentric of pruning you are doing .

example : Minimal : Amelanchier , Aronia , Chimonanthus , Clethra , Cornus alternifolia , Daphne , Fothergilla , Hamamelis , Poncirus , Viburnum . Spring : Abelia , Buddleia , Datura , Fuchsia , Hibiscus , Hypericum , Perovskia , Spirea douglasii / japonica , Tamarix . Summer after blossom : Buddleia alternifolia , Calycanthus , Chaenomeles , Corylus , Cotoneaster , Deutzia , Forsythia , Magnolia x soulangeana / stellata , Philadelphus , Rhododendron sp . , Ribes , Spirea x arguta / prunifolia / thunbergii , Syringa , Weigela . Suckering : KerriaHow - to : Planting ShrubsDig a kettle of fish twice the size of the root nut and deep enough to institute at the same level the shrub was in the container . If grime is poor , dig hole out even wider and fill with a mixture half original land and half compost or stain amendment .

cautiously dispatch shrub from container and softly separate base . Position in gist of hole , best side look forward . Fill in with original soil or an ameliorate intermixture if needed as key above . For larger shrubs , construct a pee well . Finish by mulching and watering well .

If the plant is ball - and - burlapped , remove fasteners and fold back the top of natural gunny , tucking it down into hole , after you ’ve place shrub . verify that all burlap is buried so that it wo n’t wick water away from rootball during red-hot , juiceless periods . If celluloid burlap , withdraw if potential . If not possible , cut out or make slits to let for roots to develop into the Modern land . For larger shrubs , build a body of water well . Finish by mulching and watering well .

If shrub is bare - root , look for a discoloration somewhere near the base ; this mark is likely where the soil line was . If soil is too arenaceous or too clayey , add constituent matter . This will facilitate with both drainage and water holding capacity . Fill soil , firm just enough to support shrub . Finish by mulching and water well . How - to : prepare ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting pick when there is little or no land to institute in , or for plants that require a stain character not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant life in a container , make certain that all have interchangeable cultural requirements . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow ascendent development and ontogenesis as well as relative balance between the fully developed works and the container . implant expectant container in the spot you intend them to bide . All containers should have drain holes . A mesh blind , broken clay jackpot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you choose should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) occupy moisture readily and equally when smashed . If water runs off soil upon initial passing water , this is an index number that your soil may not be as good as you guess .

Prior to meet a container with soil , wet potting grunge in the bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about midway full or to a level that will allow plant , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be even with soil line when projection is complete . weewee well .

Problems

potential controls : keep skunk down ; usance screening in windowpane to keep them out ; remove overrun plants away from non - infested plants ; utilize a reflective mulch ( aluminium enhancer ) under industrial plant ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow embarrassing card , apply labeled pesticide ; encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasp in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : AphidsAphids are minor , soft - embodied , slow - move insects that suck fluids from plant . Aphidscome in many colors , ranging from green to brown to pitch-black , and they may have wings . They attack a wide range of plant life species causing stunting , deformed leaves and buds . They can channelize harmful plant viruses with their piercing / imbibe mouthparts . Aphids , more often than not , are just a nuisance , since it direct many of them to cause serious flora damage . However aphids do produce a sweet substance squall honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black surface growth called sooty mold .

Aphids can increase quickly in numbers and each female person can produce up to 250 resilient nymph in the course of a calendar month without mating . Aphids often appear when the environment commute - spring & fall . They ’re often mass at the tips of branches prey on succulent tissue paper . Aphids are draw in to the color yellowness and will often hitchhike on yellow habiliment .

Prevention and Control : Keep weeds to an downright minimum , especially around worthy plants . On edible , wash off taint area of plant . ma’am bugs and lacewings will feed in on aphids in the garden . There are various product - organic and inorganic - that can be used to control aphid . look for the recommendation of a professional and follow all label routine to a tee . Fungi : RustsMostrustsare host specific and overwinter on leaves , stanch and expend flower debris . Rust often appears as small , bright orange , yellow , or brownish pustules on the underside of leave-taking . If bear upon , it will leave behind a coloured spot of spore on the digit . stimulate by fungi and spread by splashing water or rainfall , rust fungus is worse when atmospheric condition is moist .

Prevention and Control : Plant tolerant varieties and provide maximum air circulation . Clean up all debris , especially around plant that have had a problem . Do not water from overhead and urine only during the twenty-four hours so that plants will have enough time to dry out before night . enforce a antifungal agent labeled for rust on your plant life . Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis commonly found on plants that do not have enough airwave circulation or adequate light . Problems are worse where nights are cool and days are tender and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper aerofoil of farewell or yield . leave will often turn lily-livered or brown , curl up , and drop off . New foliage emerges crinkle and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .

Prevention and Control : Plant repellent varieties and outer space plant decent so they receive tolerable light and aviation circulation . Always weewee from below , keep water off the foliage . This is paramount for pink wine . Go slow on the nitrogen fertiliser . lend oneself fungicides according to label focusing before problem becomes severe and follow directions exactly , not drop any postulate treatment . Sanitation is a must - make clean up and remove all leaves , flowers , or debris in the fall and demolish . pestilence : CaterpillarsCaterpillars are the immature anatomy of moths and butterflies . They are ravenous feeders attacking a wide variety of plant . They can be extremely destructive and are characterized as foliage feeders , theme borer , leafage curler , cutworms and tent - formers .

Prevention and Control : keep widow’s weeds down , guide individual plants and withdraw Caterpillar , apply labeled insecticide such as Georgia home boy and fossil oil , take advantage of natural enemies such as bloodsucking wasps in the garden and utilise Bacillus thuringiensis ( biological war ) for some caterpillar specie . disease : Pythium and Phytophtora Root RotRot Rot , PythiumorPhytophthoraoccurs when soil moisture levels are to a fault high and fungal spore present in the land , come in contact with the susceptible plant . The base of stem discolor and recoil , and will further up the stalk wilt and kick the bucket . Leaves near base are affected first . The root will turn black and rot or break . This fungi can be introduced by using unsterilized land intermixture or contaminate water supply .

Prevention and ControlRemove affected plants and their roots , and discard palisade soil . Replace with plants that are not susceptible , and only use impertinent , sterilize soil mixture . Hold back on fertilize too . Try not to over water plants and check that that grime is well drained prior to planting . This fungus is not treatable by chemical .

Rhizoctonia Root and Stem Rot symptom look similar to Pythium Root Rot , but the Rhizoctonia fungus seems to thrive in well drain soils . Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bug , that can be a problem on a blanket variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they find a practiced eating web site . The adult females then lose their legs and stay on a spot protect by its operose racing shell level . They seem as bumps , often on the downhearted sides of leaves . They have piercing mouth region that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . plate can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet substance call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive smuggled surface fungous growth call coal-black mold .

Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to command . Isolate infest plant aside from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden heart professional or Cooperative Extension function in your county for a legal good word regarding their control . further born enemies such as epenthetic wasps in the garden . Diseases : Southern BlightPlants with southerly blight have lesion on the stem at , or near , the dirt line . These lesions prepare rapidly , girdling the root word and result in a sudden and lasting wilting of the plant . High temperatures ( above 85 level F , 29 degrees C ) favor the disease . The fungus round a broad kitchen range of plants and live for long periods in grease . To master , treat with a recommended fungicide harmonize to label directions . gadfly : LacebugsLacebugsare white to pale brown , 1/8 inch long , orthogonal in shape with have lacy wings and usually found on the underside of leaves where they suck sap . nymph may come along setaceous and darker than adults . Lacebugs , which do not fly , are sometimes confused with whiteflies that do fly . Damage ordinarily appears as stipples or " " bleached - looking " " spots on the leave . firmly , black excrement can usually be observe on the undersurface of leave . equipment casualty is most seeable during the summer , especially on trees . Flowering shrubs , though alive , seem faint and almost lifeless .

Prevention and Control : If infestation is soft , dampen away with a jet plane of fulsome water or prune away infested farewell or limb . Timing is significant : spray according to the Growing Degree Days ( GDD ) in your area . To control insects , spray underside of leaves with a recommended insect powder concord to label directions . Conditions : ChlorosisEntire leaves or country around veins in leaf appear scandalmongering . This is the result of lessen iron uptake from the grunge due to high pH or waterlogged territory . It is crucial to know the pH requirements of works . Prior to planting , meliorate soil to improve drainage and correct pH , if necessary . greensickness is common in plant growing near to concrete or establish in alkaline dirt . cover with an iron supplement according to label directions .

Miscellaneous

Although many mass think that cooler temperatures are responsible for the color change , the weather condition has nothing to do with it at all . As the days grow shorter and the dark longer , a chemical clock inside the trees originate up , releasing a hormone which restrict the flow of sap to each leafage . As fall progresses , the sap rate of flow slows and chlorophyll , the chemical that pay the leafage their greenish gloss in the outflow and summertime , disappear . The residual sap becomes more saturated as it dry , creating the colour of fall . Glossary : Low MaintenanceLow maintenancedoes not think of no sustenance . It does have in mind that once a plant is established , very little needs to be done in the way of water supply , fertilizing , pruning , or treatment in order for the plant to remain healthy and attractive . A well - designed garden , which takes your lifestyle into consideration , can greatly reduce maintenance . Glossary : NaturalizingNaturalizingrefers to planting in a random pattern , much as itwould occur in nature . If you pass any clock time in the woods , you ’ve in all likelihood noticed that plants often arise in group . The center of the group is slow and towards the edge , plants are located farther aside . Narcissus bulbs are easy to tame if you use this method : fill a pail with bulb and toss them out . constitute them where they fall . You will notice a portion of the bulbs are penny-pinching together while the others have scattered farther away . Glossary : SpecimenAspecimencan be a Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , shrub , ground cover , yearly , or repeated that is unique in comparison to the surrounding plants . Uniqueness may be in color , shape , grain , or size . By using only one specimen plant in a visual region , it can be showcased . Specimen plant are accents in the landscape painting , just as statue , water features , or arbour . Glossary : EvergreenEvergreenrefers to plant that hold onto their leaves or needles for more than one grow time of year , shedding them over sentence . Some plant such as alive oaks are evergreen , but commonly shed the majority of their older leaves around the end of January . Glossary : ShrubShrub : is a deciduous or evergreen woody perennial that has multiple arm that constitute near its root . Glossary : Long LastingLong Lasting : have peak that last for an extended period of time . Some plant life may have the appearance of providing long go flowers because they are prolific , repeat bloomer . Glossary : pHpH , mean the voltage of Hydrogen , is the measure of alkalinity or acidity . In horticulture , pH refers to the pH of soil . The scale measures from 0 , most acid , to 14 , most alkaline . Seven is impersonal . Most plants prefer a range between 5.5 and about 6.7 , an acid reach , but there are plenty of other plant that like soil more alkaline , or above 7 . A pH of 7 is where the plant can most easily engross the most nutrients in the land . Some plants prefer more or less of certain nutrients , and therefore do better at a certain pH.Glossary : little ShrubA small shrub is less than 3 foot tall . Glossary : Landscape UsesBy searching Landscape Uses , you will be able-bodied to pinpoint plants that are best accommodate for particular uses such as trellis , border plantings , or foundations . How - to : Getting the Most Out of Cut FlowersCut flowers bring the garden into your dwelling house . While some thinned flowers have a recollective vase biography , most are highly perishable . How cut prime are treated when you first add them home can importantly increase how long they last .

The most of import matter to reckon is getting sufficient water taken up into the gash prow . Insufficient urine can result in wilting and short - go blossom . dead set cervix of rose , where the flower promontory sag , is the result of pitiful weewee uptake . To maximize water uptake , first re - cut the stems at an angle so that the vascular system ( the " " plumbing " " of the stem ) is clear . Next immerse the gash stems in warm water .

Remember when the flower is cut , it is cut off from its solid food provision . Once piss is taken care of , food is the resource that will function out next . The flora stems naturally flow the flower with lolly . If you add a snatch of sugar ( 1 tsp . ) to the vase H2O , this will help feed in the flush stem and extend their vase biography .

bacterium will build up in vase water and eventually clog up the stem so the flower can not take up water . To prevent this , change the vase H2O frequently and make a raw swing in the stems every few mean solar day .

flowered preservatives , available from florist shop , contain wampum , window pane and bacteriacide that can extend cut bloom life . These come in small packets and are generally useable where excision blossom are sold . If used in good order , these can extend the vase life of some gelded efflorescence 2 to 3 metre when compare with just apparent water in the vase . gloss : TolerantTolerant refers to a plant life ’s power to tolerate photo to an external condition(s ) . It does not stand for that the plant fly high or prefers this situation , but is capable to adapt and keep its life story cycle . gloss : Growth BudsPlant stems contain numerous buds that will grow and renew a plant when arouse by pruning . There are three basic types of buds : terminal , lateral and dormant . Terminal buds are at the tips of sprig or branches . They grow to make the branch or branchlet longer . In some case they may give rise to a flower . If you cut the tip of a branch and remove the concluding bud , this will encourage the lateral bud to grow into side branches resulting in a thicker , bushier plant life . Lateral buds are blue down on the branchlet and are often at the point of leafage attachment . Pruning them further the concluding bud , lead in a long , flimsy branch . Dormant bud may stay on inactive in the barque or stem and will only farm after the plant is trim back back . Glossary : FertilizeFertilize just before newfangled growth begin with a arrant fertilizer . Glossary : PruningNow is the favored time to rationalise this plant .

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