heavyset , low - growing , evergreen plant shrub that is twiggy and dense with a spreading to rounded form . Leaves are lance - mold to elliptic and notably smaller , 1/2 to 2 inches long , than other azalea hybrids making it the marvellous bonzai plant that it was originally bred to be . Showy , funnel - shaped , white flowers with purple - pinkish stripe and border , 2 1/2 to 3 inches all-embracing . Flowers are expect from May to June . Plant as you would any of the other azalea : high and in well - run out , acidic filth , rich with organic topic . This is a front of the border azalea because of its depressed tiptop . Perfect for the littler garden . Satsukis seem to be able-bodied to handle a little more sunlight than most azaleas , but this does not mean “ raging ” sun . Filtered light is still best . Prune forthwith after flower so you wo n’t cut off any of next yr ’s flower bud . Though azaleas have a potentially large list of possible pest and disease problem , they are commonly bother free if planted correctly in proper cultural conditions .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade patterns convert during the day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadow cast by large trees or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a new dwelling or just beginning to garden in your older dwelling , take clip to map sun and tad throughout the day . You will get a more accurate spirit for your situation ’s genuine light conditions . Conditions : sink in LightFor many plants that prefer partially shadowed conditions , filtrate lightis saint . Good planting situation are under a mid to declamatory sized tree that lets some light through their limb or beneath taller plants that will provide some aegis . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as firm as afternoon sun , can be reckon part sunshine or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be o.k. . In other surface area such as Florida , plant in a location where good afternoon shade will be obtain . Conditions : Full to Partial SunFull sunlightis needed for many plant to assume their full electric potential . Many of these industrial plant will do finely with a little less sunlight , although they may not blossom as heavily or their foliage as vivacious . Areas on the southern and western side of construction commonly are the sunniest . The only elision is when houses or construction are so snug together , shadows are cast from neighboring properties . Full sun unremarkably think of 6 or more hours of unmediated unobstructed sunlight on a sunny day . Partial sunlight receives less than 6 hr of sun , but more than 3 hour . plant able to take full Lord’s Day in some climates may only be able to endure part Dominicus in other mood . screw the culture of the plant before you grease one’s palms and plant it!Conditions : Types of PruningTypes of pruning include : pinching , thinning , shearing and rejuvenate .
Pinching is removing the stem tip of a youthful plant to advance branching . Doing this avoids the need for more severe pruning afterwards on .
Thinning involves removing whole arm back to the luggage compartment . This may be done to open up up the inside of a flora to let more light in and to increase air circulation that can turn out down on plant disease . The good fashion to begin thinning is to begin by removing dead or morbid Natalie Wood .
Shearing is charge the surface of a shrub using paw or electrical shears . This is done to observe the want shape of a hedging or topiary .
rejuvenate is remotion of old branches or the overall reduction of the size of a bush to reestablish its original strain and size of it . It is recommended that you do not remove more than one third of a plant at a sentence . Remember to remove offset from the inside of the plant as well as the outside . When rejuvenating plant with cane , such as nandina , cut back cane at various peak so that industrial plant will have a more born smell . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant public presentation , it is worthy to match the correct flora with the available light conditions . Right plant , right place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pallid in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also ask plants to spring up slower and have fewer bloom when light is less than worthy . It is possible to furnish supplemental firing for indoor plant with lamp . Plants can also receive too much light . If a shade loving flora is exposed to direct sunshine , it may wilt and/or do leaves to be sunburn or otherwise damage . consideration : Full SunFull Sunis fix as exposure to more than 6 minute of continuous , direct sun per day .
Watering
The headstone to watering is water deep and less oftentimes . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the root testis . With in - dry land plants , this means good soaking the grime until piss has diffuse to a astuteness of 6 to 7 in ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plant , apply enough water to allow urine to flow through the drainage holes .
essay to irrigate plants early in the day or later in the afternoon to keep up water and trend down on flora stress . Do piddle betimes enough so that water has had a chance to dry from plant leaves prior to dark fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus trouble .
Do n’t wait to weewee until plants droop . Although some plants will recoup from this , all plants will become flat if they droop too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting item ) .
Consider water conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly drip moisture straight on the stem system can be purchased at your local home base and garden center . Mulches can importantly cool down the root zone and preserve moisture .
see lend water supply - saving colloidal gel to the radical zone which will defy a reserve of pee for the industrial plant . These can make a earthly concern of difference peculiarly under trying conditions . Be certain to follow label directions for their habit .
condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that grime should be kept equally moist and watered regularly , as condition require . Most flora like 1 column inch of water a week during the growing season , but take concern not to over water . The first two years after a works is installed , regular watering is important for establishment . The first class is critical . It is better to piddle once a week and urine deeply , than to water frequently for a few minute of arc .
Planting
A hebdomad to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inch of aged manure or compost and body of work into the planting site to improve fertility rate and increase water retentiveness and drain . If soil physical composition is weak , a level of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or cadaver , it can be improved by add the same thing : organic subject . The more , the better ; work deep into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easy done after , once plants have been established . How - to : Pruning Flowering ShrubsIt is necessary toprune your deciduous flowering shrubfor two reasons : 1 . By removing erstwhile , discredited or dead wood , you increase airwave flow , yielding in less disease . 2 . You rejuvenate new growth which increase flower output .
Pruning deciduous shrub can be divided into 4 groups : Those that requireminimal pruning(take out only idle , pathologic , damaged , or crossed branches , can be done in other spring.);spring pruning(encourages vigorous , new outgrowth which produce summer flowers - in other words , flower come along on novel wood);summer pruning after flower(after efflorescence , cut back shoot , and take out some of the old outgrowth , down to the ground);suckering substance abuse pruning(flowers appear on Sir Henry Joseph Wood from previous yr . Cut back flowered root word by 1/2 , to strong growing raw shoots and hit 1/2 of the bloom stems a couple of inches from the ground ) Always remove dead , damaged or diseased forest first , no matter what type of pruning you are doing .
Examples : Minimal : Amelanchier , Aronia , Chimonanthus , Clethra , Cornus alternifolia , Daphne , Fothergilla , Hamamelis , Poncirus , Viburnum . outpouring : Abelia , Buddleia , Datura , Fuchsia , Hibiscus , Hypericum , Perovskia , Spirea douglasii / japonica , Tamarix . Summer after flower : Buddleia alternifolia , Calycanthus , Chaenomeles , Corylus , Cotoneaster , Deutzia , Forsythia , Magnolia x soulangeana / stellata , Philadelphus , Rhododendron sp . , Ribes , Spirea x arguta / prunifolia / thunbergii , Syringa , Weigela . Suckering : KerriaHow - to : Planting ShrubsDig a hole twice the sizing of the radical ball and recondite enough to implant at the same storey the shrub was in the container . If soil is inadequate , dig hole out even wider and meet with a mixture half original grime and one-half compost or soil amendment .
Carefully remove shrub from container and mildly disjoined solution . Position in nerve centre of hole , proficient side facing forward . Fill in with original soil or an rectify mixture if call for as described above . For prominent bush , build a body of water well . Finish by mulching and watering well .
If the works is ball - and - burlapped , remove fasteners and fold back the top of natural burlap , tucking it down into gob , after you ’ve lay shrub . check that that all burlap is immerse so that it wo n’t wick H2O away from rootball during hot , dry periods . If synthetic burlap , remove if possible . If not possible , cut by or make snatch to allow for roots to evolve into the new soil . For large shrub , progress a water well . Finish by mulching and watering well .
If shrub is unfinished - base , look for a discoloration somewhere near the cornerstone ; this scrape is likely where the soil pipeline was . If stain is too flaxen or too clayey , summate constituent matter . This will help with both drain and water holding capacitance . Fill filth , firm just enough to stick out bush . Finish by mulching and watering well . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an decorative characteristic , a planting choice when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for industrial plant that require a soil case not found in the garden or when grunge drainage in the garden is substandard . If growing more than one plant in a container , make trusted that all have similar cultural essential . select a container that is deep and turgid enough to permit root development and growth as well as proportional balance between the to the full developed flora and the container . Plant magnanimous containers in the place you intend them to stay . All containers should have drainage holes . A mesh screen , break Lucius Clay deal pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you pick out should be an appropriate mix for the plant you have choose . Quality dirt ( or soil - less medias ) suck up wet pronto and evenly when fuddled . If piss runs off soil upon initial leak , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as well as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet pot soil in the old bag or place in a tub or barrow so that it is evenly moist . meet container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plants , when establish , to be just below the lip of the potful . Rootballs should be level with soil line when project is perfect . Water well .
Problems
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; use screening in windowpane to keep them out ; remove infest plants away from non - infested works ; use a musing mulch ( aluminum foil ) under works ( this repels whiteflies ) ; sand trap with yellow sticky cards , apply labeled pesticide ; advance natural enemies such as epenthetic white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of water supply will wash off them off the plant . Pest : AphidsAphids are small , soft - bodied , behind - go insects that suck fluids from flora . Aphidscome in many people of color , ranging from green to brown to dim , and they may have wings . They attack a across-the-board range of plant species get acrobatics , flex foliage and bud . They can channelize harmful plant viruses with their pierce / sucking mouthparts . Aphids , generally , are simply a nuisance , since it take away many of them to cause serious plant damage . However aphid do farm a unfermented substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black Earth’s surface growth call sooty mold .
Aphids can increase apace in number and each female can produce up to 250 live nymph in the course of a calendar month without coupling . Aphids often appear when the environs changes - natural spring & nightfall . They ’re often massed at the tips of arm run on succulent tissue . aphid are attracted to the colour yellowness and will often hitchhike on white-livered vesture .
Prevention and Control : Keep pot to an absolute minimum , peculiarly around desirable plants . On edibles , wash off infected sphere of plant . madam bugs and lacewings will feed on aphids in the garden . There are various products - organic and inorganic - that can be used to operate aphids . Seek the recommendation of a professional and come all recording label subroutine to a golf tee . kingdom Fungi : RustsMostrustsare legion specific and overwinter on leaves , halt and spent flower debris . Rust often appear as small , bright orange , yellow , or browned pustules on the underside of leaves . If touched , it will leave a dark-skinned spot of spores on the finger . stimulate by fungi and spread by splash water or rain , rust is worse when weather is moist .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistive varieties and allow for maximum melody circulation . Clean up all detritus , especially around plants that have had a trouble . Do not water from overhead and water only during the day so that plants will have enough clip to dry before nighttime . Apply a fungicide labeled for rust on your plant . Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually notice on plants that do not have enough air circulation or passable light . Problems are bad where night are coolheaded and day are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is normally found on the upper airfoil of leaf or yield . Leaves will often turn white-livered or dark-brown , curl up , and spend off . New foliage emerge crumple and distorted . Fruit will be overshadow and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant insubordinate kind and space plants in good order so they receive adequate light and breeze circulation . Always water from below , sustain water off the foliage . This is paramount for rosebush . Go easily on the atomic number 7 fertilizer . Apply fungicide according to label charge before trouble becomes severe and follow directions exactly , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and polish off all leaf , flowers , or junk in the free fall and destroy . pesterer : CaterpillarsCaterpillars are the immature anatomy of moths and butterfly . They are wolfish feeders attacking a all-embracing variety of plants . They can be extremely destructive and are characterized as leafage feeder , fore borer , leaf tumbler pigeon , cutworms and tent - formers .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down , scout individual plant and remove caterpillars , apply labeled insecticides such as liquid ecstasy and oils , take advantage of rude enemies such as parasitic white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden and use Bacillus thuringiensis ( biological warfare ) for some caterpillar mintage . Diseases : Pythium and Phytophtora Root RotRot Rot , PythiumorPhytophthoraoccurs when dirt wet storey are too mellow and fungous spores present in the soil , come in contact with the susceptible plant . The base of stems discolor and shrink , and leaves further up the still hunt wilt and perish . leave near infrastructure are affected first . The roots will turn black and rot or fail . This fungi can be insert by using unsterilized ground mixing or contaminated water .
Prevention and ControlRemove affected plants and their roots , and discard surrounding soil . supervene upon with plant that are not susceptible , and only use fresh , fix dirt mix . contain back on fertilizing too . Try not to over water plants and check that that soil is well drain prior to planting . This fungus is not treatable by chemical .
Rhizoctonia Root and Stem Rot symptoms wait standardised to Pythium Root Rot , but the Rhizoctonia fungus seems to boom in well debilitate grunge . Pest : Scale InsectsScales are worm , related to mealy bug , that can be a problem on a wide salmagundi of plant life - indoor and outdoor . Young scales creep until they encounter a good eating site . The grownup females then lose their legs and remain on a spot protected by its hard shell stratum . They appear as hump , often on the lower sides of leave . They have piercing mouth part that take up the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can damp a plant leading to yellow-bellied foliage and leaf driblet . They also get a sweet-flavored substance send for honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can result to an unattractive mordant surface fungal ontogeny visit sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are concentrated to control . Isolate infest plants out from those that are not infest . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . promote natural enemy such as parasitical wasps in the garden . Diseases : Southern BlightPlants with Southern blight have lesions on the stem at , or near , the soil line . These lesion rise apace , girdling the theme and resulting in a sudden and permanent wilting of the plant . High temperatures ( above 85 degrees F , 29 point C ) favour the disease . The fungus attacks a wide range of plants and survives for foresighted periods in grime . To command , treat with a recommended antimycotic according to recording label directions . Pest : LacebugsLacebugsare white to pale brown , 1/8 inch long , rectangular in shape with have lacy wings and usually find on the underside of foliage where they soak up sap . Nymphs may appear barbellate and darker than adults . Lacebugs , which do not aviate , are sometimes confused with whitefly that do aviate . terms commonly appears as stipples or " " bleached - looking " " bit on the leaves . firmly , black excrement can usually be found on the underside of leaves . Damage is most visible during the summertime , peculiarly on trees . Flowering shrubs , though awake , appear weak and almost exanimate .
Prevention and Control : If infestation is meek , lave by with a squirt of soapy weewee or prune aside infest leave or limb . Timing is of import : spray according to the Growing Degree Days ( GDD ) in your area . To control insects , spray underside of leaves with a commend insecticide concord to label directions . Conditions : ChlorosisEntire leaves or region around vein in leave look yellow . This is the result of decreased atomic number 26 uptake from the soil due to high pH or waterlogged stain . It is important to cognize the pH requirement of plant life . Prior to planting , ameliorate soil to improve drainage and adjust pH , if necessary . Chlorosis is common in plants growing close to concrete or planted in alkaline soils . Treat with an smoothing iron supplement according to label directions .
Miscellaneous
The most important affair to consider is begin sufficient piddle taken up into the cutting stem . deficient water can result in wilt and suddenly - lived flowers . Bent neck of roses , where the flush head sag , is the result of miserable water uptake . To maximise water intake , first re - cut the stems at an slant so that the vascular system ( the " " plumbing " " of the stem ) is light . Next immerse the baseball swing stems in warm urine .
think back when the flower is cut , it is cut off from its nutrient supplying . Once pee is take tutelage of , food is the imagination that will run out next . The plants halt course feed the bloom with sugars . If you add a bit of pelf ( 1 tsp . ) to the vase water , this will aid feast the heyday stems and strain their vase life .
Bacteria will build up in vase water and eventually clog up the stem so the flower can not take up water supply . To prevent this , deepen the vase body of water frequently and make a new deletion in the stems every few 24-hour interval .
Floral preservatives , available from florists , contain sugars , acids and bactericide that can strain cut flower life . These get in minuscule packets and are in the main uncommitted where swing flowers are sold . If used in good order , these can extend the vase biography of some weakened flowers 2 to 3 time when equate with just unembellished H2O in the vase . gloss : Growth BudsPlant stanch contain numerous buds that will grow and renew a plant life when induce by pruning . There are three canonical type of buds : final , sidelong and sleeping . Terminal bud are at the tips of twigs or branches . They raise to make the branch or branchlet longer . In some cases they may give rise to a efflorescence . If you cut the tip of a leg and hit the terminal bud , this will encourage the lateral bud to grow into side branches result in a thicker , bushy plant . sidelong bud are lower down on the twig and are often at the point of leaf attachment . Pruning them advance the terminal bud , resulting in a long , thin offshoot . hibernating buds may remain inactive in the bark or stem and will only develop after the plant is hack back .
