Azalea Japonica Silvester

Azalea Japonica Silvester is an evergreen, acid-loving shrub with stunning displays of springtime purple-pink flowers. This little shrub is compact enough for small gardens. It suits mixed borders, Japanese style gardens and well-watered plant containers.

Azalea Japonica is native to Japan. It is a Kurume hybrid, named for their proximity to the Japanese city of Kurume. There are many varieties of Kurume Azalea. The hybrid Silvester was bred for its dark green glossy leaves that reach 3 cms in length and light purple-pink funnel-shaped flowers that emerge in April and last until May. The flowers are abundant, covering the whole mound-forming shrub in a sea of pretty pale pinks for at least two months.

After its flowers are spent, fresh new green leaves appear contrasting nicely with the established dark green foliage.

This is a superb choice of pretty flowering evergreen azalea for compact spaces and container-grown balcony gardens in partial shade.

Height And Spread of Azalea Japonica Silvester
Azalea Silvester is a Kurume azalea that remains small and bushy. It’ll reach a maximum height and spread of just 1 metre after ten years.

How Hardy Is Azalea Japonica Silvester
If its roots are well-drained Azalea Silvester is a hardy shrub surviving UK winters and some drought once established. Pests are rarely a problem.

How to Use Azalea Japonica Silvester
Azalea Silvester is a good bet for compact gardens because it of its low-growing habit. It doesn’t grow too large or take over the space. It brings maximum impact to city gardens, Japanese style spaces and rock gardens, happily filling a gap with year-round colour and minimal fuss.

You can also grow Azalea Silvester in a large well-watered and well-fed container to brighten up a patio or deck or as part of an evergreen display on a sheltered balcony.

How To Care For Azalea Japonica Silvester
Azalea Silvester does best in acidic soil and needs a partially shady position with shelter from the prevailing wind. North or west-facing aspects in dappled light will work well.
Mulch well each year with leaf mould or ericaceous compost and water well until established. Container grown azalea need ericaceous compost, plenty of water and regular azalea specific food to flower well.

Pruning isn’t required as this is a bushy, mound-forming evergreen with a naturally excellent shape, but you can remove wayward branches in winter.