Rhododendron 'Mother's Day' (Kurume)
evergreen azalea
Masses of small, funnel shaped, semi-double, bright red flowers in late spring and early summer, and small, dark green leaves. This compact, evergreen azalea is perfect for a shrub border with humus-rich, acid soil. A mass planting of Rhododendron Mother's Day provides a fiery and colourful display, unrivalled by any other spring-flowering shrub.
How to care for Rhododendron Mother's Day (Kurume):
When planting, avoid planting too deeply, and incorporate well-rotted compost or manure into the planting hole, adding some mycorrhizal fungi to aid root establishment. Rhododendrons prefer an acid soil or ericaceous compost that is well-draining.
Remove spent flower heads regularly to encourage prolonged flowering. In late autumn, after flowering has finished, cut back any dead or damaged growth to maintain a tidy shape. In early spring, prune lightly to remove any winter-damaged stems and to promote strong, healthy new growth.
Apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of leaf mould around the base of the plant each spring. Protect from strong winter winds.
Remove spent flower heads regularly to encourage prolonged flowering. In late autumn, after flowering has finished, cut back any dead or damaged growth to maintain a tidy shape. In early spring, prune lightly to remove any winter-damaged stems and to promote strong, healthy new growth.
Apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of leaf mould around the base of the plant each spring. Protect from strong winter winds.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.8m
Eventual spread:
1m
Position:
Light shade
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Humus-rich, moist, well-drained acid soil or ericaceous compost
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
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This shrub is semi-evergreen, so it can lose some of its leaves in winter. In colder regions or more exposed gardens, it may lose them all, but then fresh new foliage appears again in spring.
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Humans/Pets: Harmful if eaten
