Satsuki Azalea

Satsuki azalea is a Cultivar Group of azaleas extensively cultivated by the Japanese. The botanical name is Rhododendron indicum. It grows wild in the mountains of Japan.
==Description==
Satsuki azaleas have a diversity of flower forms and color patterns with multiple patterns often appearing on a single plant. Satsuki bloom from May to June; the name “Satsuki” in Japanese is reference to their blooming period, the fifth month of the Asian lunar calendar. They are commonly used as a subject in bonsai and many bonsai enthusiasts and shows are dedicated solely to them. There are thousands of different varietys, but some popular ones are chinzan, kaho, gyoten, osakasuki, eikan, nikko, hakurei, hakurin, kinsai, and many more.
== Bonsai ==
Satsuki Azaleas are popular bonsai plants for many reasons. It can take a hard pruning, the flowers are amazing, and they can be developed fast. Since azaleas prefer to be slightly acidic, a popular soil to grow them in is kanuma.
Repotting: is a big stress to any tree, and bare rooting is the biggest stress to a tree. When repotting Satsuki Azaleas, it is better to do it at a certain time. Repotting in early to middle spring is best. Some people say that you should repot after flowering, but this is not the case. Flowering is the second biggest stress to a satsuki. So repotting and flowering in the same year is not a healthy thing to do for a tree. That is why when repotting, do not let the satsuki flower that year. Kanuma is a recommend soil for satsukis. Also, it is popular to put yamagoki moss on top of the soil to keep them moist. This will benefit the many feeder roots of the tree.
== External links ==
* Bonsai Clubs International - Satsuki Azalea
Category:Rhododendron
Category:Bonsai