Azalea japonica 'SILVESTER' Japanese azalea
size/type
low or groundcovering,low or groundcovering
usual height
0,3-0,6m
usual width
0,3-1m
leaves
evergreen broadleaf
colour of leaves
flowers
showy
colour of flowers
blooming time
April-May
location
semi-shade / partial sun
USDA zone (lowest)
5 (down to -29°C)
winter protection
for zone 5+6
for zone 7
categorized
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.
Description of the plant:
Silvester is a Kurume hybrid of Japanese azalea. It has small, pale purple-pink fowers. These hybrids are renowned for their hardines and soil adaptibility. It flowers early, from end April until mid May. 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.
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