The Azalea is a classic tree species used for Bonsai,
well known for its stunning flowers in late Spring.
Two popular cultivars of Azalea are the Satsuki and Kurume.
The leaves are oval-shaped and dark green.
So how do you care for your Azalea? Azaleas need to be placed outdoors. They thrive at
a sunny spot, but during the hottest time of the day in summer it is better to provide some shade.
When flowering, azaleas should be protected from rain and hot sun to make the flowers last longer.
Healthy, mature azaleas can endure some frost
but should be protected from colder temperatures than 40° F (-5° C).
Azalea Bonsai trees should not dry out but they also don't like permanent wetness.
Because of this it is necessary to check the moisture of the soil very carefully.
Azaleas need a slightly acid soil and hard tap water is not appropriate for them.
You can use rainwater for example, or filter your tap water.
During the growing season azalea should be fed with a special azalea fertilizer. There are liquid
azalea fertilizers which are used weekly as well as organic products to apply on the soil surface.
While the trees flower quit feeding or use only half the normal dosage.
The azalea is one of the very few tree-species that are basally-dominant. This means that
the lower branches grow stronger than the top, which leads to the shape of a shrub in nature.
Therefore prune the branches at the base harder than the top.
Any pruning is done after the flowers have wilted, around early summer.
If you prune your tree too late there will be no or nearly no flowers in the following year.
Unwanted shoots from the trunk or the base of the branches can be removed at any time of the year.
Bonsai are kept in small pots, and therefore we repot the trees every two years,
in early spring or after flowering. If you see the roots circling around the root system,
your Bonsai needs to be repotted. If the roots are still contained within soil, leave it and check
again the following spring. It is important to use a special soil for azaleas which is lime-free.
Pure Kanuma for example is a good azalea soil.
You can propagate the Azalea using cuttings in spring and summer,
or buy them online as these are widely available at bonsai retailers.
If your Azalea is losing a lot of leaves, this is often the result of
improper watering or not enough light. Again, make sure you place your Bonsai
outdoors with plenty of light. And water it generously as soon as the soil gets slightly dry.
Learn how to create your own bonsai trees by enrolling in one of our online bonsai courses.
we explain techniques like pruning, wiring, and repotting and you can ask questions
to the teachers. For the curriculums, and free lessons, go to: bonsaiempire.com/courses