Rhododendron japonica Orange Beauty

The Japanese Azalea Orange Beauty is an excellent orange variety. It is a hardy, floriferous plant with a dense and harmonious habit. In spring, the bush is covered with a mass of orange flowers washed with salmon pink. They are so numerous that they almost cover its light green foliage. Its round silhouette works wonders in heather beds, along pathways, or placed in front of larger shrubs. And its autumn-coloured flowering brings unique life to partially shaded areas. Japanese azaleas deserve some adjustments to recreate the conditions they prefer: they thrive in partial shade, in consistently moist soil, free of limestone. 

The Rhododendron Kaempferi Orange Beauty is an old Dutch horticultural hybrid from C.B. van Nes, dating back to 1920. It is a medium-sized variety with a well-rounded habit. The plant will reach about 1m (3ft) in all directions at the age of 10. The bush will not exceed 1.30m (4ft) in all directions after many years, its growth is slow. Its abundant flowering occurs in April-May in average climates. In southern Brittany, it can bloom as early as the end of March. It consists of countless funnel-shaped flowers measuring 4cm (2in) in diameter. The corollas are composed of 5 oval, slightly undulate, satin-textured petals, with colours ranging from orange to deep salmon pink. The flower's center is occupied by long stamens of a darker orange. These flowers are gathered in terminal clusters of 3 to 5 units. The evergreen foliage consists of small, simple, ovate, entire leaves arranged alternately on the branches. They have a rather light green colour and a glossy appearance. Rhododendrons develop a shallow root system, which should never lack moisture, but which fears stagnant humidity that suffocates it.

Japanese azaleas thrive in humid and cool climates, with distinct winters, planted in humus-rich, acidic soil, such as heather earth. They are beautiful evergreen shrubs for borders or flowering pots, attractive all year round. They happily accompany heathers, Japanese maples, or their relatives, Chinese azaleas that change their appearance throughout the seasons. They also blend well with Japanese camellias as well as their graceful autumn-flowering cousins, often with a fragrance, the hybrids of C.sasanqua. This Orange Beauty variety, a true flamboyant ball in spring, will make a statement on the terrace or balcony. You will plant it in a carefully chosen large pot and in suitable substrate, with non-limestone waterings.