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Satsuki Azalea

Classic flowering bonsai; evergreen with small leaves and vivid blooms; sensitive roots.

Seasonal Care Guide

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  • Watering: Water sparingly; only when soil is dry to the touch. Roots are still largely inactive.
  • Repotting: Prepare tools and soil mix. Only repot if absolutely necessary.
  • Pests Disease: Check for overwintering pests like scale. Apply dormant oil spray on a dry, mild day.
  • Winter Protection: Keep in unheated shelter or cold frame. Avoid freeze-thaw cycles.
  • Development: Review tree structure and plan for spring interventions.

Placement & Seasonal Notes

  • Placement: Partial shade
  • Notes: Avoid midday sun in summer - leaf burn risk.
  • Winter: Protect from freezing winds and root zone frost.
  • Summer: Keep moist; high heat increases transpiration stress.

Leaf Traits

  • Persistence: Evergreen
  • Form: Broadleaf

Watering & Fertilization

  • Watering: High
  • Notes: Must be kept moist - use well-drained, acidic soil.
  • Season: Spring → Autumn
  • Fertilization: Balanced
  • Notes: Use azalea-specific fertilizer; avoid lime.

Training Techniques

  • Wiring: Spring or Autumn
  • Notes: Avoid wiring thick branches - clip-and-grow preferred.
  • Pruning: Structural in early spring, maintenance after flowering
  • Notes: Trim after flowering; pinch new shoots regularly.
  • Repotting: Every 2-3 years
  • Notes: Repot just before spring growth; protect fine roots.

Propagation

  • Method: Cuttings or seed
  • Notes: Semi-hardwood cuttings under mist root best.

Zone 8b Considerations

Monitor root rot during heavy rain