Japanese Azalea 'Maruschka'

Japanese azalea 'Maruschka' (Rhododendron 'Maruschka') is a compact evergreen azalea that covers itself in late May with tight clusters of carmine-red flowers with a darker throat. The blooms, up to 5.5 cm across, do not bleach in the sun, so the cushion of the shrub stands as one solid red carpet.

The habit is cushion-shaped, around 45 cm tall and up to 70 cm wide, and growth is slow. Plant it in edging, rock gardens and terrace containers - in partial shade and acid soil that never dries out. Next to pale azaleas and conifers its red looks deeper still.

Key characteristics:

• What makes it special: In winter the glossy leaves darken to a purple-bronze that is almost black, then contrast sharply with the fresh bright green growth in spring.
• Dimensions: At 10 years it is a cushion 45 cm tall and 70 cm wide.
• Hardiness: It takes temperatures down to -20 °C (USDA zone 6).
• Flowering: In late May to early June the shrub is covered with carmine-red flowers with a darker throat.
• Light: It is happiest in partial or dappled shade, in a sheltered spot with a northern or western aspect.
• Soil: It needs acidic, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil - clay, loam or sandy.
• Watering: The azalea will not forgive its roots drying out: keep the soil evenly moist and mulch every year.
• Care: Pruning is barely needed (group 8); snap off the spent flower heads so the shrub does not spend itself on seed.
• Landscape use: It will grace a border, a rockery, a container on the terrace and a small city or cottage garden.
• Origin: Raised by the German nursery of Hans Hachmann; the plant holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit.