Azalea 'GENA MAE' deciduous azalea

Gena Mae is a deciduous azalea introduced in 1991 and bred by F. Clement from Puyallup, Washington, USA. Its round inflorescence does recall one of its parents - Homebush variety which was crossed with Cecile in order to achieve this variety. There can be up to 25 flowers in one truss, opening continuously for 3-4 weeks starting early May. They are 4-5 cm wide, semi-double (hose-in-hose), apricot-orange with faint yellow and salmon tones. The petals have a rather pointed tip, and the flowers completely lack stamens. Gena Mae forms upright bushes about one and a half meters high and just over a meter wide when 10 years old. Leaves are medium green, deciduous, narrowly oval, acuminate, and turn red, orange and yellow in autumn.

Deciduous azaleas are ericaceous plants, loving insulate position with always moist soil. During temporary summer dry spells in certain areas their leaves may suffer and be prone to fungus infections. When spots appear on the leaves or they lose colour and start to curl use a suitable fungicide immediately. 1-2 sprays should help the plant remain beautiful and healthy.

They require no pruning. Should you need to shape or rejuvenate your plant do so as early in the spring as possible so that it can still make new twigs with flower buds for the next season. It re-sprouts reliably. It has many surface roots which spread to sides in search for nutrients and water. The best soil mixture consists of peat, lime-free compost and leaf-mould. Fully hardy to min. -34 °C (USDA zone 4).

Last update 23-03-2024