Rhododendron simsii Sachsenstern - Knaphill Azalea

The 'Sachsenstern' Japanese Azalea is a small evergreen shrub with low hardiness, classified in the horticultural group of Florist's Azaleas (Rhododendron simsii group), which are well suited for forcing and indoor cultivation. This variety 'Sachsenstern' stands out for its unusual flowering, elegantly bicoloured in white with a red border. Its single flowers are abundantly produced on a rather wide and low shrub that retains its foliage in winter. Japanese azaleas deserve some adjustments to recreate the conditions they prefer: they thrive in partial shade, in soil that is always slightly moist and free of limestone.

The 'Sachsenstern' Rhododendron is part of a series of evergreen hybrids, sometimes called Azalea indica, which are commonly found at florists. Its hardiness ranges from -8 to -10 °C (17.6 to 14°F) in extreme cold. It is a medium-sized variety with a low and wide habit. The plant will reach approximately 60-70cm (24-28in) in height and 80-90cm (32-35in) in width at the age of 10 years. Its growth is slow. The shrub blooms in the garden between April and May. The funnel-shaped flowers are quite large, single, and sometimes have additional petals in the centre. The petals are white with fine red edges. The centre of the flower is occupied by long stamens of the same red colour. These flowers are clustered at the ends of the branches. The evergreen foliage consists of small, simple, ovate leaves with entire margins, arranged alternately on the branches. They have a glossy dark green colour and often turn purple in cold weather. Rhododendrons have a shallow root system that requires constant moisture, but they dislike stagnant humidity that suffocates them.

Japanese azaleas thrive in humid and cool climates, 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 Japanese maples or their counterparts, Chinese Azaleas, which change colour throughout the seasons, as well as Japanese camellias and their graceful cousins, the often fragrant autumn-flowering hybrids of C.sasanqua. This elegant and bright 'Sachsenstern' variety will work wonders on the terrace or balcony, in a carefully chosen large pot, with a suitable substrate and non-limestone water for watering.