Azalea Wallowa Red

The 'Wallowa Red' Chinese Azalea is a small hybrid Rhododendron with a bushy habit, reaching about 1.20m (3 ft 11 in) in height. Its deciduous foliage is soft green and tinged with purple. In spring, it is covered with umbels of large, flamboyant scarlet-red flowers. Compact and very floriferous, it will be at home in the smallest of gardens, provided it is given an acid, humus-rich and well-drained soil.

The 'Wallowa Red' Chinese Azalea belongs to the Ericaceae family. Although Azaleas were long ago classified in the botanical genus Azalea, botanists have now grouped them all under the genus Rhododendron. However, in horticulture, a distinction is still made between Rhododendrons (evergreen shrubs of varying heights, sometimes almost tree-like), Japanese Azaleas (small, semi-evergreen bushes with slender branches), and Chinese Azaleas (deciduous, forming small shrubs). The 'Wallowa Red' Azalea belongs to the latter category. The plant forms a nicely branched, compact bush, growing to around 1.20 m (3ft 11in) in height and 1 m (3ft 3in) in spread. From April to May, the large reddish buds burst into a scarlet-red fireworks display: the lightly scented flowers, gathered in compact clusters, gracefully unfurl their 5 bright petals, enhanced by the subtle presence of 5 stamens with pale yellow tips. It is only then that the foliage comes into view, first in interesting coppery hues, then soft green, and finally golden yellow in autumn. The elongated, ribbed leaves are around 6 cm (2.4in) long. The tawny brown wood is also very attractive, especially as it is enhanced by the variety's naturally architectural habit.

The 'Wallowa Red' Azalea is a reliable and robust plant, provided certain requirements are met: like most rhododendrons, it appreciates acidic soils that are always moist but well-drained. The three main reasons for Azalea dieback are: the presence of chalk/lime, which quickly turns the leaves yellow; drought, which they tolerate poorly, and excess humidity. These shrubs have a shallow and limited root system, sensitive to any excesses. On the other hand, 'Wallowa Red' is perfectly hardy and can survive temperatures down to around -20°C (-4°F). Take care, to provide it with a location sheltered from winds and excessively hot sun. If the soil is very chalky, you can consider creating a large hole (wider than deep) andl fill it with ericaeous soil, mixed with lime-free loam and possibly free-draining materials, but be aware that the long-term survival of the shrub is not guaranteed. It is easier to grow it in a pot, which will allow you to decorate your balcony, terrace or patio for many years!

The 'Wallow Red' Azalea will enable you to create wonderful exotic or Japanese-inspired displays, combined with other softer-coloured Azaleas such as 'Harvest Moon', with other ericaceous plants like Pieris 'Forest Flame' or Kalmia 'Minuet', or in the shade of a large Japanese maple like Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki'.