Japanese Azalea 'Rosinetta'

Japanese Azalea 'Rosinetta' (Rhododendron 'Rosinetta') is a shrub covered in miniature roses. Each densely double flower, 4.5-5.6 cm across, folds some 23 petals into a tight rosette of clear pink, and by late May there are so many of these rosettes that the foliage beneath them is simply out of sight.

Plant it in groups at the front of a partly shaded mixed border, in a heather garden, or in containers by the entrance. In ten years the shrub forms a compact ball of about 0.4 m tall and 0.55 m wide, so it never outgrows its neighbours. It flowers into mid-June and takes frosts down to -25 °C.

Key characteristics:

• What makes it special: The name plays on the rosette: some 23 petals fold together into one tight whorl.
• Dimensions: In 10 years it reaches 0.4 m tall and 0.55 m wide.
• Hardiness: Hardy down to -25 °C (USDA zone 5b).
• Flowering: From late May to mid-June it carries densely double, pure pink flowers of 4.5-5.6 cm.
• 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 Hans Hachmann cultivar from 'Elsie Lee' x 'Purpurkissen' (1988), registered in 1999.