Rhododendron Obtusum Bonsai

Rhododendron saotome kurume azalea the kurume hybrid azaleas of japan owe their parentage to several species of mountain azaleas predominantly r.

Rhododendron obtusum bonsai. Satsuki is the fifth month of the japanese lunar calendar. The azalea is a member of the genus rhododendron. Rhododendron obtusum amoenum common name. The azalea used to be considered a separate genus from the rhododendron but has recently been reclassified.

The dwarf evergreen azalea bonsai has small one inch hairy leaves making it a huge hit in the horticulture world. It is an evergreen which in the wild grows as a small shrub up to six feet. All rhododendron and azalea species have lance shaped mid to dark green leaves ranging in size from 4mm to 75 cm long. The azalea genus rhododendron indictum is one of the most sought after and satisfying of all bonsai subjects.

The azalea is popular for its spectacular flowers which open in may june and come in many different colors shapes sizes and patterns. Obtusum a hybrid and not a separate species. The azalea produces a white flower with a reddish pink outline in early spring and through out the summer. There are hundreds of azalea varieties.

Satsuki azaleas are particularly popular with japanese bonsai enthusiasts. Formerly the kurume hybrids were grouped under r. Determine a style for your bonsai. Galle 1987 presented the classification of evergreen aza leas in terms of the old balfourian subseries obtusum and tashiroi.

Study each style so you are better prepared to trim your bonsai. Tolerates a fair amount of sun in cool northern summers but leaves may scorch in hot afternoon sun in the st. The rhododendron genus contains about 1000 species of which especially the satsuki azalea rhododendron indicum and kurume azalea rhododendron kiusianum and rhododendron kaempferi are commonly used for bonsai. They are mainly grown as bonsai for their spectacular flowers that are usually borne singly or in clusters in spring there are also a number of species that flower in autumn winter and summer.

The word satsuki refers to their may to june blooming period. Morning sun with afternoon shade is also acceptable. Best grown in acidic organically rich humusy medium moisture moisture retentive but well drained soils in part shade. Obtusum but modern horticulturists now consider r.

Wilson to be a form of r. Satsuki azalea rhododendron indicum. Rhododendrons lend themselves well to root over rock semicascade windswept slanting and informal upright styles. First and foremost among its reasons for popularity is that it flowers spectacularly.

Satsuki rhododendron indicum or kurume azalea are popular choices among bonsai enthusiasts.