Azaleas are generally placed into one or another of five groups. The first group is the indica azaleas. Their early origins were primarily from Rhododendron indicum and R. eriocarpum from Japan where they have been cultivated for centuries. The most prolific were bred in the Netherlands and Belgium from the early 1800s. These azaleas are suited to our cool Tasmanian climate.
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The second evergreen group, also very large and much more cold resistant, are the Kurumes with Japanese origins, being more compact and semi-dwarf, or larger growing in temperate regions. These are based mainly on R. obtusum, found growing wild in the Kurume district on the mountainous southern island of Kyushu and extending up the slopes of Mt. Kirishima. Cultivated in Japan over many hundreds of years they were introduced into western gardens by EH Wilson in the early 1900s. Wilson was a distinguished plant hunter who selected 50 varieties known as ‘Wilson’s Fifty” which are still grown today. These produce masses of smaller flowers in late winter to early spring on compact, bushy plants which are very cold-tolerant. Some varieties are sun-hardy for exposed sites.
The third group is made up of these crosses and are known as Southern Indicum Hybrids. These develop into large bushes up to two metres in height and spread. They should not be confused with the smaller growing Belgium Indicum Hybrids of group one. The single flowers are large and the leaves are somewhat hairy and sticky. Some flower early and over a much longer period. Some are fragrant.
The fourth group of evergreen azaleas were also developed in Japan and are known as the Gumpo and Satsuki group. They are both closely related to each other by the same species used to develop the Belgium Indicum varieties, but are more compact, and flower in late winter till spring. They are both sun-hardy. Gumpo is the smaller of the two while
Satsuki tends to be more spreading in habit.
The last group is the deciduous Mollis azaleas which contains many breeding lines such as Ghent, Knap Hill and Exbury hybrids. These were developed in Europe for their beautiful flower colours in shades of gold, yellow, orange to red and pink. Bred from R. molle and R. flavum, they are cold-hardy and are best used as background plants under deciduous trees. They are absolutely beautiful in spring when they flower, especially when group planted on a large scale.
Diary
September 3: The Westbury Garden Club will hold its Spring Flower Show at the Westbury Town Hall in Lyall Street from 2-4pm. The official opening is at 2.30pm. Afternoon tea $5. Admission $2.
September 15: The Launceston Orchid Society will meet at the Newnham Uniting Church Hall, George Town Road, Launceston at 7pm.
September 17&18: The Launceston Horticultural Society will be holding its annual Spring Flower Show featuring daffodils and camellias at St Ailbes Hall Margaret Street, Launceston on Saturday from 10am – 5pm and Sunday from 9am – 4pm. Admission $2.
September 20: The Australian Plant Society will meet at the Max Fry Hall on Gorge Rd, Trevallyn, Launceston at 7.30pm Visitors are welcome to attend the meeting and will be able to gain expert advice on gardening with native plants from the friendly members over a cup of tea or coffee. Information on the APST can be obtained from its website at www.apstasnorth.org
September 21: The Launceston Horticultural Society will meet at the Windmill Hill Hall, High Street, Launceston at 8pm. Visitors are welcome
