Deciduous Azalea Sun Star

(H6) Glowing dark salmon pink in bud, opening with bright yellow double fragrant flowers, and changing to soft orange in late May.  It is a really bright glowing flower, which is followed with good autumn foliage colour.  A choice hybrid from Tijs Huisman in Holland. Height 150-175cm in 10 years. 

Tijs developed this plant by crossing some seedlings made by Fred Minch in USA with R. luteum. Previously raised under code 03-17

Shortlisted for RHS Chelsea Flower Show Plant of the Year, 2016.

• Recommended for stunning bright colour.
• Easy to grow.
• Group: Deciduous Azalea 
• Parentage: R. luteum hybrid
• Hybridization date: approx. 2000 
• Bred by: Tijs Huisman.  Origin: Netherlands
• Habit: upright.
• Ideal position: Most garden situations with some sun.
• Ideal soil: pH 4.5 to 6.
• RHS Hardiness Rating: H6.
• How we usually propagate this plant: Cutting.

Customer Reviews

By Penny Thomas on 16th May 2024

"Plant arrived very promptly following order and was in excellent condition. A nice sturdy, healthy plant which is now blooming and is very attractive. I'm very pleased with it and would recommend."

By Jane Costin on 4th November 2022

"Delighted with my Sun Stars! Plants arrived very quickly and were excellent quality and well packed. A small problem was sorted out swiftly and to my complete satisfaction. Many thanks to Millais for their 5 star products and customer service. Highly recommended."

By NooriNourshargh on 29th September 2022

"Plant arrived promptly and in excellent condition."

By LesDee on 24th November 2020

"Beautiful well packaged plant"

By Mia Franks on 11th September 2019

"Arrived very quickly once ordered. Lovely plant in very good condition. Has put on growth. Looking forward to seeing its blooms."

By David McEvoy on 6th November 2018

"Dear Team Thank you for a fabulous plant. She looks very happy in the garden. See you again very soon. best wishes from David McEvoy."

By John on 19th October 2018

"Plant arrived in first class condition, with very clear planting and maintenance instructions. Delighted with quality and very prompt delivery. Would certainly recommend."

By Jane Costin on 14th October 2018

"Plants arrived promptly and were of good quality - hopefully they will grow away well but too soon to tell at present. Haven't used this company before - but would certainly recommend them."

By B SALTER on 13th October 2018

"A GREAT PURCHASE VERY PLEASED."

By Mr Salter on 19th September 2018

"Great Plants thank you"

Good to know

From a botanical point of view, deciduous azaleas are part of the rhododendron family, but typically they only have 5-7 stamens in the flowers instead of 11-13 stamens present in other rhododendrons. They make a dazzling display, particularly in yellows, oranges and reds, but can also be very subtle in shades of pink and white. They are tough and fast growing plants typically reaching 125-150cm in 10 years. Our selection ranges from the discreet small flowered species and Ghent varieties, to the bold large flowering Knaphill and Exbury types. Many have the added value of a good scent in spring, and fiery autumn colours before leaf fall. Our newest introductions greatly extend the season into late June and July.

Deciduous azaleas have a stronger root system and will tolerate poorer conditions and a slightly higher pH than other rhododendrons. They can be grown in soils up to pH 6.5 when plenty of ericaceous compost is added. They prefer light dappled shade, but can also be grown in sun or more shade. In sun, the plants will be bushier and lower, with more flowers, but these will not last so long. In shade, the plants will be taller, with fewer flowers, but these will last longer.

All require good moist ericaceous soil with a high organic content. For a guide to plant spacing, use the height we give in 10 years as a guide to the distance between each plant, or approximately 1 plant per 1.5m². Plant no deeper than the top of the rootball, and dig in plenty of good ericaceous compost around the sides.  A teaspoon of slow release feed is sufficient for a 3 litre plant, rising to a small handful for a mature plant.  They are tough plants, and tolerate growing in containers, where their flowers, scent and autumn colours can be appreciated. Re-pot every 3 years for best performance.

Please note: Plants supplied in winter months can look quite bare and stick-like, and may be pruned back to encourage more branching. This is normal, and they will soon fill out in the spring.


For further advice, For further advice, see here

Size Guide

picture for example only

The Basics

Ideal soil

Acidic soil, good organic content, pH 4.5-6.0. Inkarho range of rhododendrons will tolerate soils up to pH7.5

Sun or Shade

Light dappled shade is best for most varieties.

Shelter

Refer to hardiness rating. Give young plants protection.

Site Selection

Avoid close to trees, roots, invasive weeds, walls, hot patios, dry banks and waterlogged soils. Do not use weed matting or stone mulch.

Plant spacing

Use the height shown in 10 years as a guide to the distance between each plant. Allow room for plant to fill out. If planting closer for instant impact, be prepared to move plants after a few years.

Compost

• 3 litre pot, dig in 10-20 litres of ericaceous compost.
• 7.5 litre pot, dig in 20-30 litres of ericaceous compost.
• 70-80cm specimen, dig in 60 litres of ericaceous compost.
• 100-120cm specimen, dig in 120 litres of ericaceous compost.

Planting depth

Plant high in the ground, with the top of the rootball visible.

Feeding

Slow-release ericaceous feed recommended in March and straight after flowering.

Mulch

Recommended every few years.

Water

The key ingredient! Keep moist all season, especially the critical time at end of June for flower bud initiation. Tap water is better than no water. Heavy dose at least once per week in dry weather.

Drainage

Ensure good drainage in winter, especially with yellow flowering varieties. Avoid waterlogged sites.

Pruning

Rhododendrons and Camellias: Not normally required. Tidy wayward shoots after flowering.

Evergreen azaleas and Bloombux can be clipped into a low hedge.

Magnolias and Acers: Formative pruning when young to shape into a tree or bush.

Deadheading

Remove old flower-heads, particularly on young or weak plants.

For further advice see here

Delivery & Returns

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