azalea
As azaleas different species and varieties of the genus Rhododendron designated; they are deciduous or small-leaved evergreen shrubs.
Indoor azaleas
The two species cultivated as house plants originally come from China and Japan . In Europe, the Indian azalea ( Rhododendron simsii ) and a little less often the Japanese azalea ( Rhododendron japonicum ) are popular as houseplant.
The room azaleas are highly heterozygous and are therefore only propagated vegetatively (by cuttings) in production . They are all varieties that would result in hundreds of variations if sown, they are not “seed-safe”, the individual varieties can only be obtained vegetatively. After rooting, potting and pruning take place in order to achieve branched plants. Most of the time, it is cultivated outdoors or under foil in summer. Before the first frosts, the pots must be placed in heated greenhouses. There they are kept cool - frost-free -. Depending on the variety, they are then placed in warmer greenhouses for “ forcing ” on different dates . They are cultivated in special nurseries until they are in bud. The forcing often happens in smaller and / or more diverse horticultural businesses.
The azaleas want a room that is as cool as possible - the cooler they are, the longer they bloom. It is important not to let them dry out completely.
Of Rhododendron simsii hundreds of varieties were bred from Rhododendron japonica little less. The normal horticultural range, however, includes fewer than 50 varieties.
The room azaleas bloom from September to April with single and double flowers in white, pink and red tones.
Garden azaleas
The deciduous species Rhododendron molle and Rhododendron luteum ( synonym Rhododendron flavum , formerly Azalea pontica ) are mainly used as garden azaleas . Only rhododendron species that are leafless in winter are called garden azaleas, all others are called rhododendrons .
The garden azaleas bloom from May to the beginning of June, the two species mentioned in yellow and orange tones; Rhododendron luteum also shows a beautiful autumn color of the leaves.
species
- Pontic azalea ( Rhododendron luteum )
- Japanese azalea ( Rhododendron japonicum )
- Garden azalea ( Rhododendron molle )
- Five-leaved azalea ( Rhododendron quinquefolium )
- Indian azalea ( Rhododendron simsii )
