Azalea 'JUNIDUFT' swamp azalea (Viscosum group)

Swamp azaleas are a unique species of deciduous azalea of North American origin. These azaleas offer later flowering and extremely fragrant flowers. Juniduft is my favourite variety of swamp azalea. It produces medium sized, sweetly scented, soft pink flowers with a greenish-yellow blotch which makes them look like those on rhododendrons as the petals are more rounded, not so narrow like on other swamp azaleas. They may open already in late May but their main flowering time is June, and blooming lasts for 3-4 weeks which is a long time for azalea. Its leaves are smaller than on other deciduous azaleas, broadly elliptic, mid green with glaucous undersides.

Swamp azaleas love damp soil and plenty of sun. The roots are shallow, spreading to sides in search for nutrients. Never plant them too deep. The soil has to be acidic (pH 4.5-5.5), rich in humus, cool and always moist. Ideal soil mixture is peat with lime-free, light garden soil topped with leaf-mould. For richer flowering and growth dead-head where possible. Hardy to about -29°C (USDA zone 56).

Last update 20-10-2012