"Azalea Kimi Maru" refers to the 'Kimimaru' Satsuki Azalea, a popular Japanese evergreen shrub known for its compact, dense growth, small leaves, and beautiful, wavy pink-blushed white flowers in late spring, making it excellent for bonsai and small gardens, thriving in acidic, well-drained soil and needing pruning after flowering to maintain shape and encourage buds.
Key Characteristics
Type: Satsuki Azalea hybrid (Rhododendron hybrida).
Appearance: Twiggy, dense, low-growing shrub with small, lance-shaped leaves.
Flowers: Showy, funnel-shaped, wavy, pink-blushed white, typically blooming from May to June.
Size: Compact, ideal for small gardens or bonsai.
Growing Conditions
Sunlight: Prefers filtered light but can handle more sun (morning sun, afternoon shade) than some azaleas.
Soil: Needs acidic, well-drained, organic-rich soil; plant high in raised beds.
Watering: Keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
Care & Pruning
Pruning: Trim immediately after flowering to shape the plant and ensure next year's blooms.
Uses: Perfect for front borders, small gardens, and especially for bonsai due to its naturally small leaves and dense habit.
In essence, 'Kimimaru' is a prized variety for its refined appearance and suitability for detailed horticultural practices like bonsa