Rhododendron molle subsp. japonicum Pink Star - Japanese azalea

The Japanese Azalea hybrid Pink Star has a surprising and charming, decidedly original flowering, quite different from traditional varieties. The flowers display a spider-like grace due to the abundance of narrow, elongated petals, giving them a ruffled pom-pom appearance. With their intense pink, subtly tending towards red, they stand out particularly well against the dark foliage. Its compact habit allows for sustainable growth in a container, while in the garden, it will integrate perfectly into a bed of ericaceous plants. With good hardiness, it will thrive in partially shaded situations, in a humus-bearing and moist, rather acidic soil.

Named Azaleas by horticulturists and nurserymen, these plants actually belong to the Rhododendron genus in botanical terms. They belong to the Ericaceae family, rich with about a hundred genera, many of which are ornamental, and some produce edible fruits (Blueberry Bush...). Besides the Ericas (Heathers) which gave the family its name, gardens host the superb Kalmias (Mountain Laurels) with their magnificent flowering or the small Pernettya mucronata with its highly decorative red fruits.
The Rhododendron genus (from the Greek rhodon-dendron or "rose tree") comprises several hundred species, even over a thousand, mostly hardy, except for some originating from tropical zones. This natural abundance is further enriched by the work of breeders who have created a multitude of hybrids. Rhododendron molle subsp. japonicum Pink Star ('Mapo 2'PBR) EU 61281, its full name, is a horticultural variety of Japanese Azalea obtained by sowing in an Italian nursery in Pistoia, one of the largest nursery areas in Europe (alongside Pinneberg in Germany). Launched on the market in 2024, this cultivar received the silver medal at the Plantarium Show in 2025, a renowned Dutch event in the plant sector.
Easily recognisable by its flowering, this variety presents classic foliage, consisting of elliptical, 5 to 6 cm long by 2 cm wide, dark green leaves. The foliage is deciduous, sometimes semi-evergreen in mild climates. The flowers appear in April at the tips of the branches and eventually cover a good part of the foliage. They are quite large, measuring 8 cm or more in diameter and composed of 20 to 30 petals, which is exceptional. Elongated and spatulate, the narrow petals at the base widen slightly in the upper third. They are flexible and readily curve, giving by their shape and number a ruffled appearance to the floral corolla. The heart of the flower is whitish, quickly turning then to a strong pink, slightly red at the tip. These vivid flowers contrast strongly with the dark foliage, which further magnifies their unusual beauty. They flower for about a month, ending in May. With moderate growth, this charming Rhododendron will reach approximately 0.80 to 1 m in all directions after 10 years of cultivation. Developing a shallow root system, it will need a moist soil while being well-drained, as it dislikes stagnant moisture. It prefers humus-bearing soils with an acidic tendency (pH 4.5 to 6) as well as partially shaded situations. Hardy down to -15°C, it will fare better in an oceanic climate than a Mediterranean one, because it doesn't like a dry atmosphere.

Japanese Azalea Pink Star will make a superb flowering pot if you grow it in a container, which will be obligatory if your ground is chalky. In suitable soil, you can plant it alongside ericaceous soil shrubs. To create a harmonious bed, create layers of vegetation which will highlight each plant while giving an interesting volume. At the base of your Rhododendron Pink Star, place some plants of Winter Heather Winter Belles Tylou, whose small pink bells will succeed one another between November and March. You can also draw from the range of Leucothoes to play with foliage colours. Then plant a taller subject in the background, like a Magnolia grandiflora which, in addition to providing protective shade, will reward you with its exceptional white summer flowering.