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Azalea japonica Melle

Rhododendron (Azalea) japonica Melle
Japanese Azalea

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Flower received quickly and in good condition, well packaged, healthy young plant with beautiful roots. Planted at the beginning of spring, it has taken well and already bloomed nicely.

N Van Acker, 02/12/2023

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This plant carries a 24 months recovery warranty

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A variety of Japanese azalea that is characterized by its late, unusual, bicoloured flowering in June: each petal on its double flowers is adorned with a wide, dark pink central area washed with light pink, surrounded by a white border. This dense, spreading shrub has dark green, evergreen foliage, which remains decorative even in winter. Grown in partial shade, in acid and moisture-retentive soil. Ideal for small gardens and growing in containers    
Flower size
6 cm
Height at maturity
1 m
Spread at maturity
1.40 m
Exposure
Partial shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -12°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil
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Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time March to May, September to October
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Flowering time June
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Description

The Japanese Azalea Melle is a rare cultivated variety, spectacular in late spring when its foliage disappears under a multitude of beautiful two-tone pink and white, double flowers. This ericaceous shrub, with its pretty evergreen foliage, will liven up shady rockeries, terraces or the gaps under large rhododendrons, all year round.

The Hybrid Rhododendron Melle, classified as part of the Kurume Rhododendron Group, is a rarely available Belgian variety. It is a natural mutation of the Rhododendron 'Rosa' discovered in Oostakker, Belgium. It is a slow-growing, vigorous evergreen hybrid, which performs well in cool and humid temperate climates, with distinct seasons. This Melle variety is said to withstand freezing temperatures down to around -12/-15°C (10.4°F/5 °F). According to the information contained in the patent, this cultivar shows excellent tolerance to heat and drought.

'Melle' is a well-branched, dense variety, slightly spreading with age, that reaches about 1m (3 ft 4 in) in height and 1.40m (4 ft 7 in) in spread by the age of 10. Eventually, under optimal conditions, the shrub can reach or exceed 2m x 2m (6 ft 7 in x 6 ft 7 in). It blooms for about 3 weeks at the end of the Japanese azalea season, usually in June. The flowers have two rows of rather delicate petals, with a central area of dark pink mixed with lighter pink, while their fine edges are white. The centre is speckled with bright pink. They are funnel-shaped and gathered in terminal clusters of a few heads. The evergreen foliage consists of small, single, elliptical leaves with smooth edges, alternately arranged on the branches. The young, light green leaves become dark green in summer, take on orange tints in autumn and are dark green in winter. Each leaf has a lifespan of 3 years. 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.

 

Japanese azaleas thrive in cool climates with distinct winters, planted in humus-rich, acid soil, such as ericaceous soil. In these conditions, they are very beautiful evergreen shrubs for borders or pots, attractive all year round. They harmonise beautifully with heathers, Japanese maples, or their Chinese relatives that change colour with the seasons, as well as Japanese camellias and their graceful, often fragrant, autumn-flowering cousins, the Camellia sasanqua hybrids. This unusually coloured, late-blooming Melle variety can be used to extend the flowering period of ericaceous beds, in the company of other Azaleas and Rhododendrons. Because of its slow growth, this variety can be grown for many years in a large, carefully-chosen pot, in suitable soil and watered with lime-free water.

Plant habit

Height at maturity 1 m
Spread at maturity 1.40 m
Habit Irregular, bushy
Growth rate slow

Flowering

Flower colour pink
Flowering time June
Inflorescence Cyme
Flower size 6 cm

Foliage

Foliage persistence Evergreen
Foliage colour dark green

Botanical data

Genus

Rhododendron (Azalea)

Species

japonica

Cultivar

Melle

Family

Ericaceae

Other common names

Japanese Azalea

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Product reference166281

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Planting and care

The Melle Japananese Azalea does well in a rather shady location, unlike the Chinese Azalea, but its favourite position is in partial shade. It is a plant that thrives in a humid and cool climate, and does not tolerate heat, dry air, or excessively dry or waterlogged soils. Plant it in well-drained, humus-rich, acid and most importantly, lime-free soil. When planting, make sure not to bury the root ball too deep, it should be level with the surface of the soil. Water abundantly during dry periods, at least once a week in the first year, with alkaline-free water.

In spring, apply fertilizer for acid-loving plants. Pruning is not essential but it is a good idea to prune lightly after flowering to keep the plant looking neat. Remove spent flowers to encourage new growth. The Azalea suffers from very few diseases when well established outdoors. It can be attacked by weevils that eat the edges of the leaves and rootlets, and by the famous "Rhododendron lace bug", not often causing significant damage. If the soil is chalky or poorly drained, or if the rootball is planted too deep, the leaves may turn yellow and eventually die.

 

Planting period

Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time March to May, September to October

Intended location

Suitable for Shaded rockery, Woodland edge
Type of use Border, Edge of border, Container
Hardiness Hardy down to -12°C (USDA zone 8a) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Planting density 1 per m2
Exposure Partial shade
Soil pH Acidic
Soil type Silty-loamy (rich and light)
Soil moisture Moist soil, Humus-rich, well-drained

Care

Pruning instructions Pruning is optional. After flowering, remove dead wood and if you need to limit the branches, do so sparingly, as severe pruning could compromise the following year's flowering.
Pruning Pruning recommended once a year
Pruning time July to August
Soil moisture Moist soil
Disease resistance Good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground
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