Japanese Azalea Silver Queen

The 'Silver Queen' Japanese Azalea, also known as the hybrid Rhododendron, is a small evergreen bush with dense variegated green and white foliage, and pink fuchsia flowers that stand out from its foliage in spring.

Originally from Japan, the 'Silver Queen' Azalea forms a compact, rounded bush that reaches 50 cm (19.7 in) in height and spread at maturity. Its persistent, elongated, and leathery leaves are variegated with white throughout the year. Its foliage is just as decorative as its flowering. During the months of April and May, this small bush forms clusters of open trumpet-shaped flowers measuring 5 cm (2 in) in diameter. They are a beautiful pink fuchsia colour and will make you forget about its variegated foliage for a few months. A highly anticipated event in your garden!

Hardy down to -12°C, the 'Silver Queen' Japanese Azalea requires a bright exposure, but without direct sunlight. Ideally, plant it in partial shade, in a location protected from cold and dry winds. This small slow growing bush loves fresh, humus-rich, and well-drained soil with an acidic tendency.

The 'Silver Queen' Azalea dresses up heather beds all year round with its variegated foliage and brings gardens to life in spring with its abundant colourful flowers. Plant it on a slope, in a shaded rockery, or along the edge of a bed alongside Pieris, Heathers, Kalmias, Andromedas, Chinese Azaleas, and Japanese Maples.

Divided into 2 horticultural groups, the genus Rhododendron includes on one hand Chinese and Japanese Azaleas with small persistent or deciduous leaves, equipped with 5 stamens per flower, and on the other hand Rhododendrons, with ample, persistent, and glossy foliage and flowers with more than 10 stamens. Although very debatable from a botanical point of view, this classification is still widely used by horticultural professionals.