Azalea japonica Ardeur

Rhododendron 'Ardeur' is a charming Japanese Azalea with a compact habit and small, pointed, dark green leaves. Its spring flowers are stunning as they entirely cover the shrub in clusters of bright red-orange flowers. This ericaceous plant cannot tolerate lime or drought and will perform best in a semi-shaded position, in slightly moist, acid soil. This hardy little Rhododendron is perfect as the first tier of vegetation at the edge of a flower bed, and can also be grown in tubs to enhance a terrace.

The Rhododendrons are members of the Ericaceae family, which includes many ornamental genera (Kalmia, Leucothoe, Erica, Calluna, Oxydendrum, Gaultheria, Pieris...) as well as some small fruits (Vaccinium: blueberry, Arbutus: strawberry tree, Arctostaphyllos uva-ursi: bearberry). The genus Rhododendron is species-rich (about a thousand in all), including Azaleas (in horticultural terms only as botanically speaking, they are actually Rhododendrons). It includes, therefore, evergreen and deciduous species, from miniature shrubs to trees 15 m (49 ft 2 in) in height (in their natural habitat, magnificent specimens can be also admired in various parks) and with flowers that cover almost the entire range of plant colours thanks to the numerous varieties available on the market.

The Rhododendron 'Ardeur' belongs to the horticultural group of Japanese Azaleas (Rhododendron obtusum, formerly Azalea japonica). Growing relatively slowly, it will take at least ten years to reach its mature size. It then forms a small bush of about 1 x 1 m (3 ft 4 in x 3 ft 4 in), with small, dark green, pointed leaves that remain evergreen in winter, providing a beautiful backdrop for the spring flowers. In April-May, a firework display of orange-red blooms lasts for several weeks as 'Ardeur' is covered with clusters of flowers. Medium-sized, 3 to 5 cm, with 5 petals that open beautifully into a flared cup when ripe, their abundance is quite simply breathtaking. Despite its compact size, this shrub is a real eye-catcher in the garden, with the foliage almost disappearing beneath the flowers. Like other Azaleas, this ericaceous shrub likes moist, humus-rich, and well-drained, acid soils. This small Rhododendron prefers a semi-shaded position, tolerating a moderate sun in some regions. It is very hardy, down to about -20 °C. It prefers a humid climate and soil that retains some moisture in summer, but that is well-drained in winter.

With its compact size and bushy habit, Rhododendron 'Ardeur' will be ideal for decorating a terrace, or as a border plant in an ericaceous bed. To accompany it, choose plants that flower at different times, as it will be difficult to compete with the aptly named 'Ardeur'! The essential Hamamelis or Witch-Hazels will brighten up the winter with their gracefully elegant yellow, red, or orange flowers. Plant them behind 'Ardeur', so that their superb autumnal colours contrast beautifully with the dark green of the small Azalea. Viburnum davidii with its superb, shiny, dark green foliage and pronounced veins, flowers white in June and then produces extremely decorative small blue fruits. And for summer and autumn, choose two or three Hydrangeas from the wide range available, with flat, round, or elongated panicle flowers, white, pink, blue...