Azalea japonica Repetita Coral - Perpetual japanese azalea

Rhododendron Repetita Coral is a compact and floriferous hybrid azalea, remarkable for its large double flowers in intense coral shades that bloom from spring to autumn thanks to its perpetual flowering. Its rounded and regular habit makes it an excellent subject for beds, borders and partially shaded areas, but it is equally well-suited to pot cultivation on a sheltered terrace. It appreciates acidic, light, humus-bearing and well-drained soils. To preserve its vigour and floriferousness, regular watering in summer, organic mulching and shelter from dry winds are recommended.

The Repetita® Coral Azalea, also botanically designated Rhododendron 'RLH1-6P4', is a horticultural cultivar belonging to the Ericaceae family. This cultivar was obtained in the United States by horticulturists Robert and Lisa Head and is the result of complex hybridisations aimed at achieving prolonged flowering, from the indica x japonica species. This cultivar is distinguished by its compact and rounded habit, forming a dense and bushy shrub. Its growth is moderate, reaching approximately 50 to 70 cm in height and width after 10 years of cultivation in open ground. The semi-double to double flowers measure between 7 and 8 cm in diameter and display an intense coral hue. They appear abundantly in spring (April-May), with sporadic floral recurrences in summer and more marked flowering in autumn, until the first frosts. The flowering is mainly apical (located at the end of the stems). The flowers are sterile, producing neither fruits nor seeds. The foliage is semi-evergreen to evergreen, composed of dark green, narrow and slightly shiny leaves, measuring about 3 to 5 cm long. The stems are thin, flexible and brownish, with smooth bark. The root system is superficial, fibrous and spreading, which makes the plant sensitive to prolonged droughts and poorly drained soils. The Repetita® Coral Azalea was selected for its ability to rebloom several times a year, a rare characteristic among azaleas. This particularity makes it a highly prized plant for bringing a prolonged touch of colour to gardens and terraces.

The Repetita® Coral Azalea acts like a spark in the gloom of a woodland or in the hollow of a partially shaded bed. Its coral flowering is vibrant without being garish, highlighting the muted greens of ferns, the bluish foliage of a Hosta 'Halcyon' or the purple tips of a Loropetalum 'Black Pearl'. In a pot, it creates a vibrant scene when paired with a Leucothoe 'Red Lips' or a Japanese maple with coppery foliage.