Evergreen Azalea Amoena

This is a rare old variety, but one we get asked for quite regularly as it is now so unusual. It was introduced to the UK in 1850 by Robert Fortune from Shanghai, but believed to have originated in Japan. It has small reddish purple hose in hose flowers in May. An attractive and historic colouring with a tall spreading habit. Height 50-75cm in 10 years.

• Ideal for smaller gardens and mixed borders.
• Easy to grow.
• Group:Evergreen Azalea (Kurume hybrid).
• Parentage: parentage unknown but belonging to the Obtusum Group.
• Hybridization date: pre 1900 (1852).
• Bred by: J. Lindley. Origin: Japan.
• Habit: Tall, spreading.
• Ideal position: Most garden situations.
• Ideal soil: pH 4.5 to 6.
• RHS Hardiness Rating: H6.
• How we usually propagate this plant: Cutting.

Customer Reviews

By Hiawyn on 30th August 2023

"The azalea arrived looking large and healthy. I have planted it in a huge terracotta pot filled with mostly ericaceous soil and so far it seems to be flourishing. I can only tell in about a year whether it will deliver as I hope it will. Very pleased with the nursery who sent it. "

By MariamFakhri on 1st May 2021

"Lovely Azalea, which arrived in perfect condition and is now in full bloom"

By JennyWomersley on 14th December 2020

"These rhododendrons arrived in great condition and were larger than I expected. Thank you."

By Jilldumons on 15th October 2020

"Great service and excellent quality plant!"

By Sarah Blishen on 29th May 2020

"Delighted with this azalea, needed another same as I had already and they're difficult to find - they are such stalwarts - excellent plant arrived in equally excellent condition, thank you!"

By Anne Marie Martell on 4th February 2019

"My Azalea Amoena and all the others with it, so well packed, arrived looking perfectly beautiful and healthy,I am looking forward to their flowering. Thank you so much for your wonderful service, Anne Marie"

Good to know

Evergreen Azaleas

From a botanical point of view, evergreen 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. Evergreen azaleas, sometimes known as Japanese azaleas, are as popular as ever, and are ideal for any size of garden from a window box to a large estate. Most azaleas grow to 60-75 cm in 10 years, but look out for our speciality nakaharae azaleas which are late flowering, prostrate, and excellent for cascading over walls or tubs.

Some of the first evergreen azaleas were introduced by Ernest Wilson (Wilson’s 50) from Japan at the beginning of the twentieth century. These small flowered varieties are full of character, best seen at the Isabella Plantation in Richmond Park where they look delightful. However, these early plants are not as hardy as modern varieties such as those bred in Northern Germany. Other breeders, particularly in America, have concentrated on breeding larger flowers which can certainly look impressive. When buying plants, consider the hardiness range needed for your area, as some plants are much hardier than others. Our range should not be compared to the R. indica types which are sold as houseplants and are not fully hardy outside. Evergreen azaleas prefer light dappled shade, though they will tolerate sun or shady positions.

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 3 plants per m². 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. Evergreen azaleas are suitable for growing in pots and containers; re-pot every 3 years for best performance.

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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