Rhododendron macrosepalum Koromo-shikibu - Large-sepaled Azalea

The 'Koromo-shikibu' azalea, a mysterious beauty from Japan... of unknown origin, this evergreen azalea with a spread habit is covered in spring with delicate, finely-crafted flowers, in a delicate shade of pink with mauve reflections.

Known for several centuries in Japan, the 'Koromo-shikibu' spider azalea could be a hybrid of Rhododendron linearifolium. In March-April, its original flowers with long, slender petals, in a beautiful pink lavender colour with some purple spots, provide a wonderfully delicate spectacle! They emit a delicate fragrance and, if the growing season is long enough, can reappear in autumn!

The Japanese 'Koromo-shikibu' azalea has evergreen leaves, hairy, elongated and dark green. In winter, they take on pretty red-purple tones. It is a spread bush that reaches 60 to 80cm (23.6 to 31.5in) in height at maturity, with a width of 80cm (31.5in) to 1m (3ft 4in). Hardy up to -10°C, the spider azalea requires a bright exposure, without direct sunlight. Ideally plant it in partial shade, in a location protected from cold and dry winds. With a slow growth, this small heather bush likes fresh, humus-rich and well-drained soil with an acidic tendency.

Azaleas dress up heather beds all year round with their evergreen foliage and enliven gardens in spring with their charming and original flowering. Plant them in a shady rock garden, at the edge of a bed or in a container along with Pieris, Heathers, Kalmias, Andromedas, Chinese Azaleas, Rhododendrons and Japanese Maples. Japanese Azaleas are sometimes cultivated in pots, but they are also worked as Bonsai by specialists, making them very beautiful pieces.