Look what I found: Rhododendron indicum 'Satsuki'

Just when you thought the azaleas were done, a whole new area starts blooming.  These azaleas are Satsuki azaleas -- Satsuki is the Japanese word for the fifth month in the Asian lunar calendar and refers to the late bloom period for these plants, typically May or June.

The most interesting thing about these azaleas is the variety in color patterns and flower forms.  As you can see in the picture above, it is not uncommon to have different colors or patterns on the same plant.  This variety makes them very popular as bonsai plants.

They're quite low growing and ours were virtually lost among the pachysandra.  I'd like to clean out the groundcover underneath of the azaleas so they're more like specimen plants.  Satsuki azaleas are prone to petal blight, which thrives during warm, wet weather.  Early blooming azaleas aren't usually affected by it, since the weather is fairly cool during their bloom period.  An older gentleman I know who grows and sells Satsuki azaleas recommends spraying with a fungicide containing Bayleton as soon as the blooms show color and then again a week later.  I didn't spray this year, but I haven't seemed to have any issues.

On Saturday, I was talking about timing the bloom period of plants.  These azaleas really extend our spring flower display into summer and from what I've read online, there's a chance they'll bloom in the fall as well.  So far, they are my favorite azaleas.  What's your favorite azalea?