Azalea mollis Orangeade

Rhododendron ‘Orangeade’, also known as Chinese Azalea ‘Orangeade’, is distinguished by its large orange flowers gathered in clusters. Easy to grow in humus-bearing, acidic soil, it adds colour to light woodland scenes and woodland edges in the heart of spring, and again in autumn. It is a very hardy variety with a dense, compact habit, well-suited to container cultivation.

This azalea belongs to the Ericaceae family and the vast horticultural group of Knaphill-Exbury deciduous azaleas. It can be found under the names Rhododendron ‘Orangeade’, Rhododendron (Knaphill) ‘Orangeade’ or Chinese Azalea ‘Orangeade’. The parentage of the group mixes Asian species such as Rhododendron molle (syn. Azalea sinensis) and R. japonicum, as well as North American species like R. calendulaceum or R. luteum. The Knaphill line was developed in the 19th century by the Waterer family in Surrey, then greatly improved in the 20th century at Exbury by Lionel de Rothschild; ‘Orangeade’ is part of this tradition of spring-flowering hybrids with large, colourful flowers.
This shrub is naturally bushy, dense and rounded, with low branching. Its growth is slow to medium. In the ground, the plant commonly reaches 1.20m in height with a spread of 0.80m at 10 years, then ultimately, depending on conditions, 1.50 to 1.80m. In a large container, it measures around 80cm to 1m. Its base produces basal shoots that thicken the framework over the years. Flowering occurs from April to May. The inflorescences are grouped in tight clusters borne at the ends of the shoots, often just as the foliage begins to grow. Each single flower, in the shape of a widely open funnel with wavy lobes, measures on average 5cm in diameter; the dominant hue is orange, highlighted by a yellow-orange spot on the upper lobe. The foliage is deciduous: the medium green, elliptical to obovate leaves turn shades of yellow, orange and sometimes reddish in autumn. 
The dense and fibrous root system remains near the surface; it requires an aerated, uncompacted soil and benefits from a permanent mulch that retains moisture.

This Chinese Azalea 'Orangeade' prefers positions in bright partial shade or gentle sun, particularly morning sun. It is very cold-hardy and thrives in humus-bearing soils. Plant it near a path or terrace, or at the edge of a small wood to enjoy its spring flowering and autumn colours. To grow it in a container, use a wide pot (40–50 cm min.) filled with ericaceous soil enriched with compost, and water regularly in summer. You can pair it with dwarf Rhododendrons, Pieris and ferns for their architectural foliage. Chinese azaleas ‘Irene Koster’ (soft pinkish-white with a yellow maculate, very gentle) or 'Mount Raigner', white with a yellow spot, will also make lovely companions.