J
Ornamentals
Azalea
Rhododendron simsii / R. japonicum
A shrub that flowers en masse in spring; a classic of gardens in northern Portugal and Galicia. All parts are toxic.
- Light
- Partial shade
- Height
- 0.6–1.5 m
- Watering
- Moderate: 2–3 times a week in summer
- Soil
- acid, pH 4.5–5.5; fertile, rich in organic matter
- Edible?
- No: the whole plant is toxic
- How to plant
- Dig a hole twice the root ball; 80 cm apart. Water well the first summer.
- Care
- Only in acid soil or a pot of ericaceous compost; never hard, limy water. Trim right after flowering.
Calendar by climate
Warm coast
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Mild Mediterranean
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Southern interior
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Continental interior
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Cold interior and uplands
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Atlantic
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Canary Islands (subtropical)
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
SowPlantHarvestPruneFeedTreat
Dates are for growing outdoors, based on the local climate. In a greenhouse or tunnel everything comes earlier.
Feeding and doses
Mild Mediterranean
- Ericaceous fertiliserMar, Jun30–50 g / plant
Pest prevention and doses
Mild Mediterranean
Not needed.
How easy to grow by climate
- Warm coastNot recommended outdoorsToo warm a climate
- Mild MediterraneanDifficultHot, dry summers
- Southern interiorNot recommended outdoorsExtreme summer heat
- Continental interiorEasy
- Cold interior and uplandsNeeds regular careHard, long frosts
- AtlanticEasy
- Canary Islands (subtropical)DifficultNo winter chill
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