Japanese Azalea 'Lilienstein'

Japanese Azalea 'Lilienstein' (Rhododendron 'Lilienstein') brings the cool lilac note that a spring garden so often lacks among its familiar reds and pinks. In May and June the low, half-domed cushion is thickly covered with dark lilac flowers, each carrying fine reddish-brown speckling on the upper petals.

Its place is a partly shaded heather corner, an underplanting beneath large rhododendrons, or a low group along a path. Set it beside white and red azaleas and the lilac tone sings at full strength. It wants acidic soil at pH 5.0-5.5 and shelter from wind; it takes frosts down to -29 °C, USDA zone 5.

Key characteristics:

• What makes it special: The cultivar is named after the Lilienstein rock in Saxon Switzerland, and the same series also holds its neighbour 'Königstein'.
• Hardiness: Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 5).
• Flowering: In May-June it opens deep lilac flowers with a handsome reddish-brown speckling.
• 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: Low edging, heather and rock gardens, underplanting for rhododendrons; lovely in groups and containers in partial shade.
• Origin: A Rhododendron kiusianum hybrid raised by the Erfurt station VEG Saatzucht Zierpflanzen before 1980.