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{{Short description|Japanese azalea cultivar group}} | |||
'''Satsuki azalea''' (''Rhododendron indicum'') is a dwarf type of ] extensively cultivated by the ]ese. It has a flowering period around May-June and its name "Satsuki" in Japanese translates to 5 ("Sa") moon ("tsuki") which represents the fifth month of the Asian ]. It is used commonly as a subject in ] and many bonsai enthusiasts and shows are dedicated solely to it. | |||
{{Infobox cultivar | |||
| name = Satsuki azalea | |||
| image = Rhododendron indicum1.jpg | |||
| image_caption = | |||
| group = | |||
| cultivar = | |||
| origin = Japan | |||
| genus = Rhododendron | |||
}} | |||
] | |||
Satsuki Azalea Care Sheet | |||
'''Satsuki azalea''' is a ] of the genus '']'', a type of ] extensively cultivated and hybridized by the ]ese. It is native to the mountains of ]. | |||
Satsuki azaleas have a diverse range of flower forms and color patterns with multiple patterns often appearing on a single plant. Satsuki bloom from May to June; the name “]” in Japanese is reference to their blooming period, the fifth month of the Asian ]. They are commonly used as a subject in ] and many bonsai enthusiasts and shows are dedicated solely to them. There are thousands of different varieties, but some popular ones are Chinzan, Kaho, Gyoten, Osakasuki, Eikan, Nikko, Hakurei, Hakurin, Kinsai, and many more. | |||
__TOC__ | |||
==Description== | |||
Potting | |||
Satsuki evergreen azaleas have been hybridized in Japan for at least 500 years. The first Satsuki were probably natural hybrids of Rhododendron indicum and Rhododendron tamurae. In general, they are late-blooming (mid-May and June), with 1 to 5 inch single flowers, although some have hose-in-hose, semi-double and fully double flowers. Satsuki flower shapes range from rounded overlapping lobes to narrow wide-spaced lobes, with lobe edges ranging from flat to frilled.<ref name="ASA" /> | |||
When potting Satsuki Azaleas for bonsai cultivation a fast draining mix with high peat content is ideal. I have found that a mix of one part each by volume of peat moss, fine shredded bark mulch and ¼ inch horticultural pumice is ideal. The pumice will help keep the mass of very fibrous roots separated so that re-potting is not such a chore. Azaleas will often have substantial woody root development near the trunk base. If you pot into the bonsai dish slightly higher than the trunk base, these roots can easily be exposed with a brush and spray bottle for added visual interest. Go slowly exposing roots, no more than one inch exposed each time you repot. | |||
Flower colors vary from white to pink, yellowish pink, red, reddish orange and purple. Color patterns include solids, and stripes, flakes, lines, sectors and margins of color on a lighter background. The complete range of color patterns can appear on the same plant, differently each year. These color patterns are highly prized by the Japanese, and have been carefully described and classified starting as early as 1692 in the book "A Brocade Pillow, azaleas of old Japan", by author Ito Ihei, a nurseryman and gardener for the feudal lords.<ref name="ASA">{{cite web |url=https://www.azaleas.org/687-2/ |title=Satsuki Azaleas}}</ref> | |||
Pruning | |||
Satsuki foliage length varies from about 1/2 inch to 2 inches, with shapes ranging from lanceolate to obovate to ovate. A few have contorted twisted leaves, and another few have variegated leaves, either blotched or margined with yellow.<ref name="ASA" /> | |||
Azaleas are vigorous and can withstand substantial pruning. They will bud back well on old wood and tend to have the heaviest growth at the sides and base. Concentrating on keeping the main stalk pruned so you have a trunk rising to a foliage crown will help give the tree look that you’re trying to achieve in bonsai. Ideally major pruning takes place once flowering is completed. Longer shoots of growth can be pinched back to keep the foliage tight. During flowering, as blooms fade remove them and any forming seed. | |||
Most Satsuki are compact, twiggy, slow growing plants, ranging from low and spreading to about 5 or 6 feet high in 10 or 15 years. The plants are usually rounded in shape, although some are upright and some are pendulous.<ref name="ASA" /> | |||
Watering and exposure | |||
Most Satsuki are cold-hardy to 0°F, with a few hardy to -10°F. They should be sited with protection from afternoon sun.<ref name="ASA" /> | |||
Bonsai azaleas will like to be kept consistently moist. Try and avoid keeping them so wet that you risk root rot. Watering frequency will depend on weather. If you are unsure, a simple moisture meter can be acquired for about 10$. Azaleas should be kept in filtered sun, avoid direct southern exposure. They will require some frost protection in the winter. Ideally a greenhouse or cold frame would be used. However sheltering them from the wind and insulating their pots should be sufficient in light frost. Pots are best insulated by being packed with hay or sphagnum moss and then wrapped in burlap. Try placing wrapped pots next to the foundation of your house for added warmth. | |||
]. This 30-year old Satsuki is the 'Eishi' hybrid, planted in pure Kanuma soil on a wooden box to encourage root growth. Before starting as a bonsai the plant had been growing in the ground.]] | |||
== Satsuki as Bonsai == | |||
Satsuki azaleas are popular bonsai plants for many reasons. They can take a hard pruning, the flowers vary in color, shape and size, and they take well to pot culture. Azaleas prefer acidic soil. They are basally-dominant plants, unlike other plants used in bonsai which are apically-dominant.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://bonsaimirai.com/species/satsuki-azalea-bonsai |title=Satsuki Azalea Bonsai |date=6 May 2022}}</ref> | |||
Satsuki azaleas are typically cultivated in a specialty soil called Kanuma, which is an incredibly soft, acidic, volcanic soil. This soil accommodates the fine, soft, steel wall-like root system that Satsuki azaleas utilize for their water conductivity and nutrient uptake. <ref name="refazalea">{{cite web |url=https://www.bonsaioutlet.com/satsuki-azalea-bonsai-care/ |title=Satsuki Azalea Bonsai Care}}</ref> | |||
Feeding | |||
The best time to repot is after blooming is finished. Repotting can also be done in the late fall, but with care. Flowers take a tremendous amount of energy from the plant so it is best to remove all the flowers, old and new, and the remaining buds, all at the same time; Taking this step will ensure that the following year, the buds will open at the same time. <ref name="refazalea" /> | |||
Azaleas should be fed twice a month from early spring until flower buds are formed. Stop fertilization while flowering occurs and resume feeding once a month when flowers have died. A fertilizer formulated for Azaleas and Rhododendrons or other acid lovers is ideal. Feeding can be reduced in winter to a frequency of once every six to eight weeks. | |||
==References== | |||
{{reflist}} | |||
] | |||
{{plant-stub}} | |||
] | |||
] |
Latest revision as of 15:55, 22 May 2024
Japanese azalea cultivar groupSatsuki azalea | |
---|---|
Genus | Rhododendron |
Origin | Japan |
Satsuki azalea is a cultivar group of the genus Rhododendron, a type of azalea extensively cultivated and hybridized by the Japanese. It is native to the mountains of Japan.
Satsuki azaleas have a diverse range of flower forms and color patterns with multiple patterns often appearing on a single plant. Satsuki bloom from May to June; the name “Satsuki” in Japanese is reference to their blooming period, the fifth month of the Asian lunar calendar. They are commonly used as a subject in bonsai and many bonsai enthusiasts and shows are dedicated solely to them. There are thousands of different varieties, but some popular ones are Chinzan, Kaho, Gyoten, Osakasuki, Eikan, Nikko, Hakurei, Hakurin, Kinsai, and many more.
Description
Satsuki evergreen azaleas have been hybridized in Japan for at least 500 years. The first Satsuki were probably natural hybrids of Rhododendron indicum and Rhododendron tamurae. In general, they are late-blooming (mid-May and June), with 1 to 5 inch single flowers, although some have hose-in-hose, semi-double and fully double flowers. Satsuki flower shapes range from rounded overlapping lobes to narrow wide-spaced lobes, with lobe edges ranging from flat to frilled.
Flower colors vary from white to pink, yellowish pink, red, reddish orange and purple. Color patterns include solids, and stripes, flakes, lines, sectors and margins of color on a lighter background. The complete range of color patterns can appear on the same plant, differently each year. These color patterns are highly prized by the Japanese, and have been carefully described and classified starting as early as 1692 in the book "A Brocade Pillow, azaleas of old Japan", by author Ito Ihei, a nurseryman and gardener for the feudal lords.
Satsuki foliage length varies from about 1/2 inch to 2 inches, with shapes ranging from lanceolate to obovate to ovate. A few have contorted twisted leaves, and another few have variegated leaves, either blotched or margined with yellow.
Most Satsuki are compact, twiggy, slow growing plants, ranging from low and spreading to about 5 or 6 feet high in 10 or 15 years. The plants are usually rounded in shape, although some are upright and some are pendulous.
Most Satsuki are cold-hardy to 0°F, with a few hardy to -10°F. They should be sited with protection from afternoon sun.
Satsuki as Bonsai
Satsuki azaleas are popular bonsai plants for many reasons. They can take a hard pruning, the flowers vary in color, shape and size, and they take well to pot culture. Azaleas prefer acidic soil. They are basally-dominant plants, unlike other plants used in bonsai which are apically-dominant.
Satsuki azaleas are typically cultivated in a specialty soil called Kanuma, which is an incredibly soft, acidic, volcanic soil. This soil accommodates the fine, soft, steel wall-like root system that Satsuki azaleas utilize for their water conductivity and nutrient uptake.
The best time to repot is after blooming is finished. Repotting can also be done in the late fall, but with care. Flowers take a tremendous amount of energy from the plant so it is best to remove all the flowers, old and new, and the remaining buds, all at the same time; Taking this step will ensure that the following year, the buds will open at the same time.
References
- ^ "Satsuki Azaleas".
- "Satsuki Azalea Bonsai". 6 May 2022.
- ^ "Satsuki Azalea Bonsai Care".