Japanese azalea orange is a plant that is native to Japan. The plant has small, dark green leaves and orange flowers. The plant is used in traditional Japanese gardens.
Related plant:
Japanese Buxus
About soil condition, the best way is to keep the soil moist but not soggy, which means water when the top 2-3 inches of the soil feel dry to the touch. Native to Japan, the Japanese Azalea (Rhododendron japonicum) is an evergreen shrub that produces an abundance of beautiful, funnel-shaped flowers in shades of pink, white, and red. The blooms appear in late spring or early summer and last for several weeks.
Similar to other azaleas, the Japanese azalea orange prefers full sun to partial shade. It is important to plant this azalea in an area that gets at least six hours of sun each day in order to ensure that it blooms properly. The more sun that the plant gets, the more flowers it will produce.
The temperature condition that is best for the growth of the Japanese azalea is cool to moderate temperatures. The plant does not tolerate high temperatures well and will often drop its leaves and stop growing if the temperature gets too hot.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 40-50%. If the air is too dry, the leaves will begin to drop and the flowers will lose their color. If the air is too wet, the leaves will begin to yellow and the plant will be more susceptible to fungal diseases.
Mentioning fertilizer, this family of plant ings is known to be heavy feeders. They will require more frequent feedings than other types of azaleas. The best type of fertilizer to use is one that is high in nitrogen. An organic fertilizer is always a good choice. One way to ensure your azaleas get the nutrients they need is to mix some organic material into the soil at planting time. This could be in the form of compost, rotted leaves, or manure.
Pruning japanese azaleas is important to encourage new growth and to shaping the plant. When pruning, be sure to cut above a node, or the point where leaves are attached to the stem. Doing so will encourage new growth. It is best to prune in the spring, after the plant has flowered.
Propagation of the Japanese azalea is relatively easy and can be done through seed or cuttings. Seed germination can be erratic, so it is often best to start with cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from new growth in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long and should have at least two leaves. Place the cuttings in a rooting hormone and then plant in a well-drained potting mix. Keep the cuttings moist and in a warm, bright location until they have rooted. Once rooted, transplants can be transplanted into their permanent location in the garden.
Usually, the plant growth rate is considered to be slow when compared to other similar species. The plant is known to produce small, white flowers that have a strong, sweet fragrance. The blooms are typically produced in late spring or early summer.
Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, root rot, and leaf spot. For powdery mildew, spray the plant with a fungicide. For root rot, remove the affected roots and replant in well-draining soil. For leaf spot, remove the affected leaves and spray the plant with a fungicide.
Source:
Azaleas - Gardening Solutions - University of Florida
Azaleas for the Landscape - Mississippi State University
Key Plant, Key Pests: Azalea ( Rhododendron spp.) - University of Florida
