Rhododendron nakaharae Orange - Japanese Azalea

The 'Orange' Japanese Azalea nakaharai, formerly known as Azalea Japonica, is an evergreen bush that forms a ground cover. It offers clusters of orange flowers in late spring. It will stand out in Japanese-style gardens, pots, or as a border plant in flowerbeds.

Originating from Taiwan, the 'Orange' nakaharai Azalea forms a spreading dense bush that reaches 50 cm (19.7 in) in height and 60 cm (23.6 in) in width at maturity. Its ovate, persistent, elongated, and tough leaves are dark green throughout the year. During the months of May and June, this small bush will offer you abundant, bright orange blooms in clusters of 3 to 4 flowers.

Hardy up to -15°C, the Japanese 'Orange' nakaharai Azalea requires a sunny or semi-shaded exposure, in a place protected from dominant winds. With slow growth, this small acid-loving bush prefers fresh, humus-rich, and well-drained soil.

The 'Orange' nakaharai Azalea is ideal as a ground cover and its late flowering will transition between spring and summer blooms. It will dress up heather beds all year round with its evergreen foliage. Plant it on a slope, in a rockery, or as a border plant alongside Pieris, Heathers, Kalmias, Andromedas, and Japanese Maples.

Divided into 2 horticultural groups, the genus Rhododendron on one hand includes Azaleas, Chinese and Japanese, with small, persistent or deciduous leaves and 5 stamens per flower, and on the other hand Rhododendrons, with large, persistent, and glossy foliage and flowers with more than 10 stamens. Although highly debatable from a botanical point of view, this classification is still widely used by horticultural professionals.