Azalea x 'NUCCIO'S WILD CHERRY' Satsuki evergreen azalea
size/type
medium-sized shrub,medium-sized shrub
usual height
0,5-0,6m
usual width
0,5-1m
leaves
evergreen broadleaf
colour of leaves
flowers
showy
colour of flowers
blooming time
June-June
location
full to partial sun
USDA zone (lowest)
6b (down to -21°C)
winter protection
for zone 5+6
for zone 7
categorized
Among Japanese azaleas there are groups that originated as natural hybrids or were hybridized by botanists. Satsuki is a name for one group of hybrid azaleas that are crosses of rhododendron indicum and rhododendron tamurae or rhododendron eriocarpum.
Description of the plant:
Nuccio’s Wild Cherry is one of those great Satsuki azaleas with large flowers. They are cherry red with a light burgundy red blotch. It was bread by Nuccio Nursery of Southern California wich is a leading nursery for Satsuki azaleas and camellias. The flowers appear from early June and continue popping out for 3 or even 4 weeks. Leaves are medium sized, deep green, ovate and flat. It is upright growing.Satsuki azaleas are quite compact and bushy growing but can be clipped to shapes in early July after flowering. 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. It can be placed in full sun if grown in excellent soil with equal moisture throughout the season. 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 not too deep. If leaves turn yellow or fall down after winter it is planted in wet or heavy soil. So far we have experienced its hardiness down to -21°C (USDA zone 6b), preferably located in winter shade or if grown in full sun they will do better with fir branches or white woven in case of heavy frost and sunny strong sunlight.
Last update 31-05-2010; 08-01-2012
