Any Azalea lovers???

[NYCorchidman]

I'm sure many of you may grow azalea of some type in the garden. They add such charm to the spring and summer garden.

I do not have a garden, but just got me a potted azalea. It stands about 8in tall and spreads out about 10 in wide. The whole thing is just loaded with coral pink flowers with white edge.

I always see azalea of rose pink. red pink, white...rarely yellow, which I would buy right away if I saw any. lol
I thought this had unique color and picked it up.

So for now I intend to keep it as long as the flowers last as these are common in the spring. I can always buy one.

Culture wise, I know these need winter outside and I can't really give them that.

Any potted azalea out there who have grown these indoors? possibly as bon sai?

Do they decline without winter dormancy? do they not flower without it?

[euplusia]

First of all, azaleas need lots of fresh cool air and rainwater all year round as they originate from montainous areas. The soil must be kept acidic. A hot dry summer is much more a problem here than the winter rest.
Azaleas do not grow as strong as Rhododendrons, but I would not grow them as Bonsai, albeit Bonsai soil might be suitable. Our local Botanical garden has plants, that grow in pots for 150 years, together with Camelias. But they grow it in a special greenhouse and not indoors in a living room. Azaleas will go into dormancy by their inborn rhythm and are floriferous. The plant you featured has got sufficient fertilizer in the previous growing season.

[NYCorchidman]

I've seen azalea Bonsai at a Botanical Garden last spring and it was really nice. Quite big about 1 meter tall, but loaded with tiny flowers!

Well, I just want to know if skipping winter cold period will harm them as a pot culture.
I believe it most likely will. but want to see if anyone has experience with that.

Mine is planted in moss (or should I say rotted moss) which is supposed to be quite acidic.

[Island Girl]

Wow... Those blooms are gorgeous! My grandmother loved azaleas so much, & my mom absolutely loves them too... My grandmother had a special section of her yard full of azaleas (my mom does too) that were taller than my bro (who is 6'2") a lot of them had those white edges like on yours, I don't see that kind very much around here... As for pot culture, I have no idea, sorry

But, yes, they def need acidic soil... I would get an acidic fert. (I think miracle gro makes some for azaleas & hydrangeas)

I would try to grow it inside, and see what happens... Maybe u can figure something out to make it work... It would def be worth the effort, do u have a balcony, or a roof access that u could plop the pot out on for the winter? It would get cold enough in NYC for it (it does down here in North Carolina, in the Charlotte/Greensboro area) they don't need full sun, but they do need a good amount of light - shaded in the outdoor garden... I will ask my mom about the winter dormancy/cold during daylight hours and get back to u if she knows anything!

[WhiteRabbit]

Gorgeous! I don't grow these, but may give in a try sometime ... Good luck, let us know how it goes!

[Call_Me_Bob]

Originally Posted by NYCorchidman

Well, I just want to know if skipping winter cold period will harm them as a pot culture.
I believe it most likely will. but want to see if anyone has experience with that.

Short answer-Yes. Definitely keep it outside year round!

[NYCorchidman]

It's been dropping leaves like crazy.
I gave it away to someone who has a garden. lol

I searched through Manhattan and only found white and pink and red. nothing with white edge.

well, there is always another chance hopefully.

[Island Girl]

Aww, sorry to hear that

I believe it is a difficult variety to find... The ones my grandmother had were very old! Def. always another chance Hope u can find a way to get one to live inside next time!

[NYCorchidman]

Thanks!

[Ordphien]

That sort of reminds me of coral bells.
One of my favorite azaleas.

You might try a florist azaleas. They need less of a winter rest. Which makes them the azalea of choice for my area.
I know quite a few people who keep them indoors. Bright light and good air movement. My uncle has an 80 year old azalea bonsai.
So I know it's possible.

Also... There's a mini purple azalea that doesn't like a lot of light, or low temperatures.
You might look into it.... or actually it might be a rhododendrum...
I forget. But it looks like an azalea. Only mini.
Might make the ideal indoor bonsai azalea.

I only planted it last year... but I think the tag said 1.5'-2' max, and only hardy to zone 8. Mines currently under a foot.

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