The Azalea Rhododendron is one of the essences most used for the creation of bonsai in its many varieties.

In Japan, the Azalea symbolizes spring; in the same way as Maples and Pines, it is one of the essences most used for the creation of bonsai in its many varieties, as it has all the ideal characteristics: small leaves, deciduous or perennial, rough and pleasant trunk, good nebari, fast growth and above all is particularly suitable for forms of stakes. 

Thanks to the ease with which it germinates, in any part of the stem, it allows to apply drastic pruning.

The Azalea Rhododendron as bonsai.

Another aspect that makes it quite interesting for bonsai cultivation is the possibility to shape it in almost any style.

Exposure.

In areas characterized by a mild climate, the Azalea can be safely placed outside all year round, in places subject, however, to colder temperatures, it should be protected, for example by placing it in a cold greenhouse, at least during the periods in which frosts occur. 

During the summer, the high temperatures of the hottest days, are tolerated rather well by this species, even if it is always better to provide it with shelter from direct sun rays, otherwise the leaves take on a reddish color, losing most of their brightness. 

Moreover, in case of excessive exposure to the sun, it could run the risk of dehydration and non assimilation of fertilizer, with a consequent spotting on the edges of the leaves, similar to the one caused by fungi. It is good to keep in mind that the Azalea also benefits from a well ventilated position. 

If, in order to fully enjoy its spectacular flowering, you want to keep it indoors for some time, it is possible, as long as it is really limited: 4 days at most.

Watering.

Azalea does not like calcareous water: if this problem occurs it is better to use a descaling product such as the Bonsan Line. 

As for the frequency with which to water, a distinction must be made according to the periods: during the growing season, until the end of July, it will be very abundant, after flowering, more moderate. 

The important thing, however, is to never let the soil dry out completely, even in winter (cold months included), because its thin fibrous roots easily dehydrate. 

Ensuring the right amount of water to the Azalea is very important in order to avoid cultivation problems: an excess of watering, leads to weak and long growth, with the consequent fall of the leaves; a scarce watering, causes a stunted growth, with twisted leaves, yellow in color, which will fall, along with the buds.

Soil.

The optimal compound is constituted by kanuma

 Potting.

The best period for transplanting is right after flowering, because if it were done before, the plant would weaken to the detriment of the emission of flowers. 

Young specimens must be transplanted every 2 years, whereas for the more mature ones it will be enough to intervene every 3 or 4 years. Azalea tolerates well the pruning of the roots, which after the operation generally re-emit numerous capillary rootlets in a short time. 

Before transplanting, it is necessary to remove the soil from the upper and lower part of the stump, intervening with particular attention especially in the central area, under the trunk of the tree, where it is easy to find rotting roots and dry and compact soil. 

At this point, prune one third of the roots, giving priority to the thickest ones. 

The cuts resulting from the intervention must be treated with healing mastic.

Pruning.

As these are fast-growing plants, the development of a good branching will not require much time. 

Before flowering, it is necessary to thin the branches, pruning the shoots that grow directly upwards or downwards; in a plant already formed, the strongest shoots should be cut. 

When the tree is about to flower, in order to avoid an excessive stress to the tree, a selection of the buds is made. 

Even every 12-13 years, in order to reinvigorate the plant and obtain the best possible flowering, the Japanese recommend to completely eliminate the main branches, starting again the shaping. 

While pruning, it is necessary to pay attention to prune less the apex, compared to the other parts of the tree, because it is the weakest area.

Picking.

As these are fast growing plants, the development of a good branching will not take much time. 

Before flowering, the branches must be thinned, pruning the shoots that are growing straight up or down; in an already formed plant, the strongest shoots must also be cut. 

When the tree is about to flower, in order to avoid an excessive stress to the tree, a selection of the buds is made. 

Even every 12-13 years, in order to reinvigorate the plant and obtain the best possible flowering, the Japanese recommend to completely eliminate the main branches, starting again the shaping. 

While pruning, it is necessary to pay attention to prune less the apex, compared to the other parts of the tree, because it is the weakest area.

Winding.

The best time to apply the wire is after flowering because, having pruned, the structure of the tree is more visible. 

The most suitable wire is copper wire, because it is stiffer than copper-plated aluminum wire and provides a better seal, especially for thicker branches. 

In order to obtain good results, without running risks with this technique, it is good to keep in mind that Azalea's wood is very delicate and therefore young branches should not be wrapped. 

An expedient to be adopted during the application of the wire is to cover it with florist's tape: it will avoid leaving marks on the bark. 

It will be necessary, moreover, to take care of removing it as soon as it begins to cut the bark. For large and vigorous branches it is better not to use the wire to shape them, but tie rods and weights.

Fertilization.

At the end of flowering, after pruning, feed Bonsan Stimulating Fertilizer combined with Bonsan Liquid Organic Fertilizer 3 times every 8-10 days. 

At other times, use Bonsan Organic Solid Fertilizer every 15-25 days, excluding July and August. Bonsan Organic Solid Fertilizer Hanagokoro should be used twice a year (in autumn and late winter). 

Bonsan Mineral Curative Solution should also be used 6-8 times per year. To stimulate rooting, use Bonsan Fluid Organic Mineral Fertilizer with B vitamins instead of Bonsan Organic Liquid Fertilizer.

Care.

The diseases to which the Azalea is most frequently susceptible are: mealybug, aphids, spider mites, red spider mite and fumigation. 

In order to prevent these parasites from attacking the plant, it is enough to simply observe the right maintenance rules, especially in regards to exposure and watering; however, in case they do occur, they can be easily eradicated by applying specific products. 

However, in order to avoid having to take care of the plant when it has already been attacked, it is advisable to periodically make appropriate preventive treatments.

In Japan, the Azalea symbolizes spring; it is one of the essences most used for the creation of bonsai in its many varieties, as it has all the ideal characteristics: small leaves, deciduous or perennial, wrinkled and pleasant trunk, good nebari, fast growth.

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