Rhododendron 'Poukhanenses '
In the Poukhan Mountains of Korea these azaleas grow without any help from mankind which make them a very hardy, carefree plant . I couldn't bring myself to pick the beautiful flowers from my Korean azalea, however , the villagers in the Korean mountain side not only pick them but make soup and cakes from them as well.
The Korean azalea is unique in that it is deciduous and can loose its leaves in the winter if it needs to, but this seldom happens. What I like most about it is it's loose and open habit that looks so very natural. Korean azaleas can get 4 to 5 feet tall and wide, however , a more compact form of it has been developed if space is a problem.
Lovely! I have an azalea named 'Kirono Shikibu' (or something like that) and I'm wondering if it is this type. I read about it in Pam Harper's book and had to find it. It was beautiful last year but didn't bloom as much this year.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Phillip. While they look similar in their orchid lavender color, 'Kirono Shikibu ' or the spider azalea is Japanese and has a longer petal.
ReplyDeleteMaybe your azalea needs a little cotton burr compost spread on top and worked into the soil. There's also organic fertilizer made especially for them.
Carolyn - have you ever noticed that you are obsessed with all sorts of Korean stuff? Korean Azaleas, Korean Lilacs... ;)
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful! My little Karen (not korean) that you told me to buy is doing great.
The fact that my better half if Korean has nothing to do with my obsession with things Korean, Gina., It so happens that Korean plants are the most compatible with our Chicago winters .
ReplyDeleteKaren is another fave, of course, and I told you to buy it because it is more colorful , like you : )
Wow, I never knew there were Korean azaleas. I have a Korean lilac bush that I had planned on transplanting over here, until I got there and realized how big it had gotten! I guess I'll have to start my collection all over again.
ReplyDeleteYou always teach me something new. Thank you.~~Dee
ReplyDeleteGee I know azaleas are beautiful but you can eat them too? I wonder what they taste like? That's just the kind of hardy azalea we need.
ReplyDeleteHi Cinj,
ReplyDeleteI have a Korean lilac too and they can get around 7 to 8 feet wide.
You are most welcome, Dee. Thanks for visiting.
ReplyDeleteHi Ki,
ReplyDeleteI watched a video titled Happy France of Spring : Korean Azalea Cake and Soup at http:video.google.com/videoplay which was very amusing.
I'll check out that video - gosh I never heard of Korean Azaleas let alone the cake + soup too!
ReplyDeleteI also didn't know azaleas could bite the dust so easily. Very informative Carolyn! I'm going to have to replace a few of mine.
Hi Inga,
ReplyDeleteSorry about the error in the video title . It should be " Happy fragrance of Spring. "
I think you'll get a kick out of the video.
Great information! I've stayed away from this family of plants because of the acidity issue, but maybe I'll make the plunge -- splash!
ReplyDelete