Japanese Azalea 'Cherie'

Japanese Azalea 'Cherie' (Rhododendron 'Cherie') is a small evergreen bush that simply disappears under its flowers at the end of spring. Little funnel-shaped blooms gather into terminal clusters and cover the crown almost completely, while for the rest of the year the plant holds a dense cushion of glossy dark green leaves.

At 0.3-0.9 m tall and 0.6-1.2 m wide, 'Cherie' is planted at the front of borders, in heather gardens, on north- and east-facing slopes and in containers of acidic compost. It wants dappled shade, shelter from wind and constantly moist yet well-drained soil, mulched with bark or pine needles.

Key characteristics:

• What makes it special: The foliage stays on the bush through winter, so the spot never looks empty once flowering is over, and the blooms themselves feed the first pollinators of spring.
• Dimensions: When mature it stands 0.3-0.9 m high and 0.6-1.2 m across.
• Hardiness: It overwinters down to -29 °C (USDA zone 5).
• Flowering: In April-May elegant funnel-shaped flowers open in terminal clusters.
• Light: It is happiest in dappled partial shade or morning sun with midday shading, in a spot sheltered from wind.
• Soil: It needs acid soil at pH 5.0-5.5, rich in humus, moisture-retentive yet well-drained. Standing water it will not tolerate.
• Watering: Watering is regular and medium: the surface roots must never dry out, so mulch the soil with bark or pine needles.
• Care: Snap off the spent flower heads right after flowering, and leave the soil around the plant undisturbed to protect the roots.
• Landscape use: Lovely in low hedges, at the front of borders, in heather gardens and on north- and east-facing slopes.
• Origin: Kurume azaleas come from the mountains of Japan, where they arose as natural hybrids of several local rhododendrons.