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| '''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. | '''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. It has large, round leaves and when it flowers, it hase large pink flowers. | ||
| Satsuki Azalea Care Sheet | |||
| Potting | |||
| 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. | |||
| Pruning | |||
| 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. | |||
| Watering and exposure | |||
| 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. | |||
| Feeding | |||
| 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. | |||
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Revision as of 09:54, 21 August 2006
Satsuki azalea (Rhododendron indicum) is a dwarf type of azalea extensively cultivated by the Japanese. 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 lunar calendar. It is used commonly as a subject in bonsai and many bonsai enthusiasts and shows are dedicated solely to it. It has large, round leaves and when it flowers, it hase large pink flowers.
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