Azalea mollis Demoiselles de Boutiguery Aurora

The 'Azalea of China 'Demoiselles de Boutiguery Aurora' is a recent variety that is particularly attractive due to the unusual colour of its flowers. In May, the shrub is covered with raspberry-pink flowers, with some apricot nuances. Due to its compactness, the proportion of flower mass is significant compared to that of foliage. This French creation will seduce lovers of the genus. Unlike Japanese azaleas, this plant is deciduous and perfectly hardy. It grows in cool non-calcareous soil, and when the soil is not suitable, it can easily be cultivated in a pot with suitable soil.

The Chinese Azalea 'Demoiselles de Boutiguery Aurora' is a recent variety that is particularly attractive for the unusual colour of its flowers. In May, the shrub is covered with raspberry-pink flowers, with a few apricot tones. Because it is so compact, the mass of flowers is large in relation to the foliage. This French variety is sure to appeal to lovers of Azaleas. Unlike Japanese Azaleas, this plant is deciduous and very hardy. It thrives in fresh, lime-free soil and, where the soil is not ideal, it can easily be grown in pots with suitable potting compost.

Azalea is a horticultural term still commonly used, but in botanical terms, they are actually Rhododendrons, whose flowers have 5 stamens instead of 10. Plants from the Ericaceae family, just like heathers, strawberry trees or blueberries, they mostly prefer lime-free, acid soil and damp climates. The deciduous Chinese Azaleas, have fewer requirements than the evergreen Japanese Azaleas: they are very hardy, tolerate the sun and heat better, and even occasionally dry soil, depending on the hybrids. Nevertheless, they will be at their best in cool climates, with distinct winters, planted in humus-rich, fertile, lime-free soil.

The 'Demoiselles de Boutiguery' series is the work of a Breton family, settled on the Domaine de Boutiguery, whose park was designed by the Bühler brothers, renowned landscape designers  (they are responsible for the layout of the Tête d'Or park in Lyon, the Thabor park in Rennes and the Courson Castle park in Essonne). Christian de la Sablière and his daughter Virginie work there constantly hybridising Rhododendrons in search of new flower colours. Mission accomplished with 'Aurora', an unusual variety with a compact habit, less than 1 m (3 ft 4 in) in height and spread.

The Demoiselles de Boutiguery range is extremely interesting for its abundance of flowers. Even in their early years, these shrubs bear numerous buds and flowers, creating spectacular scenes in spring. 'Aurora' is distinguished by its dazzling blooms, with corymbs of flowers clustered at the ends of the branches. The colour of the upper petal is an eye-catching raspberry-pink mixed with apricot orange, with protruding stamens. The corolla, made up of 5 dark pink veined petals that partially overlap, is around 6 cm (2.4 in) in diameter.
Its deciduous foliage is made up of simple, oval-lanceolate, smooth-edged leaves arranged alternately on the branches. They vary in length from 5 to 10 cm (2 to 3.9 in). Their beautiful, bright green colour is a perfect backdrop for the flowers, which stand out clearly against the foliage. After which they can be used to create attractive displays contrasting with the purple, golden or grey foliage of other plants.
Azaleas and Rhododendrons have a shallow root system that always needs to be kept moist, but they also dislike waterlogged soil which would suffocate the roots. They also dislike alkaline soil which causes chlorosis. A good garden soil, neutral to acidic and humus-rich, suits them perfectly. 'Aurora' can also be grown in a large container, which will allow you to overcome the problem of a chalky soil.

This Chinese Azalea 'Aurora' will be the centre of attention in May, with few other plants able to rival its flowers. It will be perfect in a border with shrubs that flower at different times of the year, or with decorative foliage. Japanese Maples are perfect companions, with their very decorative foliage in a variety of colours, depending on the cultivar. 'Summer Gold' will bring light to spring with its young yellow leaves. Acer palmatum Skeeter's Broom, for its part, plays with warm colours: bright red in spring, it turns purple during the season before bursting into scarlet at the end of the season. To complement Aurora', think of Daphne odora Aureomarginata, which will fill the air with its exquisite fragrance in February-March, and Magnolia stellata Rosea, whose starry, light pink flowers celebrate the arrival of spring in March-April. For summer, the ever-popular Hydrangeas will be in the spotlight, followed by the superb Autumn Camellias (C. sasanqua) with their irresistibly romantic flowers.