Japanese Azalea 'Diamond Zamelrose'

Japanese Azalea 'Diamond Zamelrose' (Rhododendron 'Diamond Zamelrose') is a low flowering cushion that turns into one solid pink ball at the height of the season. The small glossy leaves all but vanish beneath double, fuchsia-pink flowers with slightly wavy petals, while the shrub keeps its neat, dense shape without any trimming at all.

Plant it in the front row of a border, in heather and rock corners, or in a container on a shaded terrace - anywhere a low, vivid accent is needed. Give it acidic soil at pH 5.0-5.5 and dappled partial shade with cover at midday, and the shrub calmly takes frosts down to -29 °C, wintering in USDA zone 5.

Key characteristics:

• What makes it special: The small glossy leaves take on crimson tones in autumn, so the shrub stays decorative long after the flowers have gone.
• Hardiness: Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 5).
• Light: Happiest in partial shade or dappled light: morning sun, a little shade at midday and a snug spot sheltered from strong wind.
• Soil: Loves acidic soil at pH 5.0-5.5, rich in humus and evenly moist. The one thing it will not take is standing water, so good drainage is a must.
• Watering: Water moderately but regularly: the shallow roots dislike drying out and standing water in equal measure.
• Care: Mulch with bark or pine needles, leave the soil under the bush undisturbed, and trim the spent blooms right after flowering.
• Landscape use: Works in low edging, heather and rock gardens, as underplanting for rhododendrons, and looks good in groups and containers in partial shade.