Azalea mollis Viscosa

The Rhododendron or Viscose Azalea mollis is an upright, deciduous shrub that thrives in partial shade and acid soil. It is known for its delicate, deliciously fragrant white spring flowers, as well as its vibrant autumn colours. Its leaves are sticky on the underside, earning it the name 'Viscosa'. Too little known and too little used, deciduous Azaleas are very graceful plants growing in chalk-free soil, with a whole host of qualities, just waiting for a place in the garden or in a large pot on the terrace!

Rhododendron x knaphill 'Viscosa' is descended from the Rhododendron molle, which is the parent of most cultivated deciduous Azaleas. It belongs to the heath or Ericaceae family and is native to central and eastern China. This slow-growing shrub initially has a loose habit, but over time, its branches thicken, giving the plant an upright, bushy appearance. At maturity, this Azalea will reach about 1.50m (4 ft 11 in) in height and 1m (3 ft 4 in) in spread. Under optimal conditions, it can grow up to 2m (6 ft 7 in) by 1.20m (3 ft 11 in). It flowers in April-May, with the appearance of new leaves on the branches. The blooms resemble lilies and are arranged in terminal clusters. They are pure white, adorned with 5 long, pink, curved stamens. In the evening, they exude a spicy fragrance. The deciduous foliage consists of simple, oval-lanceolate leaves with smooth edges, arranged alternately on the branches. They vary from 5 to 10 cm (2 to 3.9 inches) in length and turn dark green in summer before changing to orange and bright red in October before falling. Azaleas and Rhododendrons have a shallow root system that always needs to be kept moist, but they also dislike waterlogged soil which would suffocate the roots.

Deciduous Chinese Azaleas have fewer requirements than evergreen, Japanese Azaleas: they are very hardy and tolerate sunny positions, and even dry soil on occasion, depending on the hybrids. However, they give their best in cool climates, with distinct winters, planted in humus-rich, fertile, lime-free soil. They are beautiful shrubs for borders, with an attractive, informal habit, blooming twice a year and the perfect accompaniment to Japanese maples, which also change colour with the seasons, as well as Japanese camellias, or their graceful, often fragrant, autumn-flowering cousins, the Camellia sasanqua hybrids. They can also be grown in a large, carefully chosen pot, in suitable soil, and watered with lime-free water. The undeniable beauty of deciduous Azaleas merits the changes needed to create the conditions they prefer.