Japanese azaleas are a far-eastern favourite
Japanese gardens work with the miniature, and while there are many different styles of gardens native to that country, they are nearly all designed as aesthetically beautiful, contemplative spaces with meditation in mind.
Many native Japanese plants are commonly grown in gardens in Europe, and one group that come into their own over the next few months are the Japanese azaleas.
Naturally dwarf, and growing to as little as 30cm to 120cm, depending on the variety, they bring much to the garden in terms of texture and form.
Their dense compact habit gives them a real presence in the garden all year long, making them worthy visitors even though their blossom, stunning as it is, lasts for only a short time. Azalea blooms are one of those features in a garden that even though short-lived, is a must-have for the spring garden — that’s if your soil pH allows. These showy beauties do like to be on the lower side of 7 on the pH scale — slightly acidic soil.
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