Azalea japonica Star Style White

The Star Style White Japanese Azalea brings white to this new series of very different Star Style Azaleas, which revolutionise the familiar image we have of classic Azaleas. It forms a beautifully rounded, small bush with very fine leaves that are covered with curious, large, white star-shaped flowers in autumn and again in spring. Relatively hardy, the compact and abundantly flowering hybrid Azaleas of the Star Style series are suitable for growing in pots or in the ground, suiting gardens of all sizes. Combine them with each other or with Coprosma in a contemporary, Japanese or classic-style setting. Like all Japanese Azaleas, 'Star Style White' prefers rather fertile, lime-free soils, as well as slightly humid environments.

Azaleas are actually Rhododendrons from a botanical point of view, they are plants from the large Ericaceae family. The quite fantastic hybrids of the Star Style series, are the result of a long selection process aimed at obtaining particularly compact varieties with unique flowers and fine foliage, capable of flowering twice a year. They are cold resistant to a minimum of -12/-15°C (10.4 / 5 °F).

'Star Style White' is a small variety, with a rounded and well-branched habit. This slow-growing shrub will reach about 50 x 50 cm (19.7 x 19.7 in). The first flowering occurs in October, taking the form of long, fine-petalled flowers about 10 cm (3.9 in) in diameter and are gathered in small terminal clusters. A second wave of flowers is produced in May. The foliage of this Japanese Azalea consists of small narrow, elliptical, glossy leaves arranged alternately on the branches and are more or less evergreen, depending on the severity of the winter. They are rather light green when they bud, and darken in summer. 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.

Star Style Japanese Azaleas thrive in cool climates with distinct winters, planted in humus-rich, acid soil, such as ericaceous soil. Under these conditions, they are very attractive evergreen shrubs for flower beds or containers, attractive all year round. They are a perfect accompaniment to heathers, Japanese maples, or their relatives, Chinese Azaleas, which change their colours with the seasons. Combine them with quinces and Japanese camellias , as well as their graceful, often fragrant, autumn-flowering cousins, the Camellia sasanqua hybrids. This 'Star White' variety will look wonderful in a border with clean lines, with other shrubs trimmed into balls, combined with a decorative mulch. It will also make a beautiful subject to adorn a terrace or balcony, planted in suitable soil and watered with alkaline-free water.