Azalea Kurume

Jurume Azaleas

Derived mainly from R. kaempferi and R kiusianum. They are small, slow-growing, compact evergreen shrubs. Again, some may be tender in colder areas, but generally they are the most frost-hardy of the evergreen azaleas. They tend to be twiggier than Indicas with smaller leaves and denser foliage. Whilst normally smaller in size than the Indicas, the Kurume hybrids also display great variation in height and spread. Many Kurumes are miniatures or dwarfs but some varieties can reach up to 3m tall.

Flower colours include white, pink, scarlet to purple, and as with Indicas, they may also be striped or flecked. They usually have a mass of flowers in spring creating a spectacular show. They often flower so profusely that their dark green oval leaves may be completely obscured.

They tend to flower in early to late spring Individual flowers are normally single, but some varieties possess ‘hose-in-hose’ blooms. That is, one flower inside another. Average height is 0.6-1.2m.

Uses

Culture

Evergreen azaleas will thrive in full sun provided that their roots are kept moist. Nevertheless, shelter from cold winds and partial shade is preferable since too much sunlight can bleach their flowers. They like slightly acid, fertile, moist, humus rich soil conditions, with a pH of around 5-5.5. Prune to shape after flowering.

Propagation

Can be afflicted by a number of pests and diseases including: Red spider mite and lace bugs are are common problems - especially in stressed plants; petal blight (a fungal condition).