Azalea japonica Ben Morrisson

The Ben Morrisson Japanese Azalea is an excellent cold-resistant American variety that is rather compact and highly floriferous, with unusual bicoloured flowers. In spring, there are large, wavy, orange-pink flowers, red-speckled with white edges, beautifully complemented by dark green, glossy foliage. Moderate in size and with an attractive, dense, spreading habit, this Azalea is just as suitable for growing in small gardens as it is for a container on a terrace.

The Ben Morrisson Rhododendron is a hybrid of unknown origin, selected in the USA by Morrisson. It is an evergreen shrub from cool and humid temperate climates, known to withstand temperatures as low as -18°C (-0.4°F). However, its foliage can be damaged by severe frost.

'Ben Morrisson' is a modest-sized variety, well-branched, with a dense and spreading habit. It reaches about 60-70 cm (23.6-27.6 in) in height and spread by the age of 10. This slow-growing shrub will not exceed 1.30 x 1.30 m (4 ft 4 in x 4 ft 4 in) even after many years. Its beautifully bicoloured flowers bloom for 3 weeks in May, mid-season for Japanese Azaleas. The 7 cm (2.8 in) diameter flowers with nicely wavy edges have rather rare colours for Azaleas. They are funnel-shaped and are arranged in terminal clusters of 4 to 5. The evergreen foliage consists of small, simple, elliptical leaves with smooth edges, alternately arranged on the branches. They are dark green with a shiny finish. Each leaf has a lifespan of 3 years. 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.

Japanese Azaleas thrive in cool and humid climates, with distinct winters, planted in humus-rich and ericaceous soil. They are very attractive evergreen shrubs for beds or containers, providing year-round appeal. They are a perfect accompaniment to heathers, Japanese maples, or their relatives, Chinese Azaleas, which change colour with the seasons, as well as Japanese camellias and their graceful autumn-flowering, scented hybrids, the Camellia sasanqua hybrids. This Ben Morrisson variety, which forms a beautiful bush, allows for playing with different heights and filling the gaps below large ericaceous shrubs. It will thrive in a large, cool, moist and shaded rock garden or at the front of borders, but also on a terrace or balcony, in a large, carefully chosen pot, with suitable soil and watering with lime-free water.