Azalea - Rhododendron
The common azalea is generally easy to grow as a bonsai. The key piece of knowledge is to use the right soil – free draining and easy for fine roots to grow in. It can produce a wide range of flowers between mid March – June (species dependant). When healthy it buds from old wood with ease and is therefore suited to bonsai cultivation.
The Satsuki is a ‘mixture’ of rhododendrons that produce magnificent color displays – sometimes different on the same tree! They normally flower between June – July. Unfortunately, as bonsai, these flowers should be removed within 5 – 7 days to avoid weakening the tree…
| Position | Pruning / Repot | Feeding / Water | My Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
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I do tend to position it in an area that gets more shade through the day. The roots are very fragile and easily burnt if too near the edge of the pot. Hence a good covering of moss and even watering the pot sides can keep things 'cool'.
In winter, protect against frosts below -2°C and watch out for over watering (root rot).
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Repot: Every 2 to 3 years. Major repot between Feb/Mar. You can repot right into April as the new growth is starting to flush. This allows the tree maximum time for roots to strengthen before winter! Repots can also be done post flowering - though I do not do this anymore.
Pruning: If developing a young tree then early spring and consider removing buds so energy is concentrated to foliar growth. Otherwise prune post flower fall (May/June) |
Water: These are thirsty bonsai and enjoy misting as well. However, be careful of soil remaining too damp beneath the surface - root rot is a problem for these trees (especially in winter). Monitor in hot weather and don't forget to 'hold back' to encourage root growth.
Feeding: Throughout the growing season using solid pellets. If you want to increase flower bud production then continue in summer. |
Wiring: Can be carried out at any time from spring on young plants but in the autumn for older branches.
Propagation: Softwood cuttings in early Summer, air-layering/ground layering in early Summer after flowering has finished. I took cuttings in early spring so I will let you know... |
Satsuki Azalea Pruning like Peter Chan
Today I am giving my five Satsuki Azalea Bonsai a ‘light’ prune just as Peter Chan does in his video. Watch me hack away ‘lightly’ to encourage vigorous back budding. Anyone can do this…or can they? Within the content, there is also an urgent crimewatch appeal that anybody with bonsai MUST watch…
The Etruscan Azaleas (Ten Months Later)
Who is curious about HOW well my Etruscan Azalea Bonsai ($50 Challenge) developed? Well, its 10 months later and I can reveal all…
I have included these pictures as they relate to discarded nursery stock that required very little skill or knowledge to develop. Of the 5 shrubs purchased (£2.50ea) at least three are thriving and two have developed into decent bonsai material. I would urge anyone with an interest to scour their local nurseries for any ‘small leaf’ varieties – these are Praecox Rhododendron.
B4Me Bonsai Species Guide is extremely detailed in relation to Azalea and in particular Satsuki. Well worth consulting.
External References & Links:
https://www.bonsaiempire.com/tree-species
http://bonsai4me.com/species_guide.html
http://www.herons.co.uk
