Species

1 other cultivar

‘Judge Solomon’Judge Solomon Azalea

shrub

Wakaebisu Satsuki Azalea

Rhododendron indicum 'Wakaebisu'

Same species

Species

1 other cultivar

‘Judge Solomon’Judge Solomon Azalea

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

30 inches

Width

48 inches

Light

Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Prefers moderate to high

Lifespan

30+ years

Native To

Hybrids, species native to Japan

Toxicity

All parts of the plant are highly toxic if ingested.

The Story

Plant Bio

Satsuki azaleas (Rhododendron indicum hybrids) are a group of low-growing, late-blooming evergreen azaleas from Japan. They are treasured for their large, often dramatically colored flowers and are popular subjects for bonsai. 'Wakaebisu' is a distinctive Satsuki azalea prized for its unique 'hose-in-hose' flowers, which have a second corolla inside the first, giving them a fuller, doubled appearance. The blooms are a delicate salmon-pink with a subtle greenish throat.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

'Wakaebisu' is a refined and elegant azalea, offering a beautiful late-spring display of unique hose-in-hose salmon flowers. Its low, spreading habit and small evergreen leaves provide excellent year-round texture in the garden.

Its compact and spreading form makes it an ideal choice for a flowering groundcover in small, shady areas. It excels in rock gardens, at the front of borders, and as a container specimen where its delicate flowers can be appreciated up close.

The late-season flowers offer a nectar source for pollinators after many other spring shrubs have finished. The dense foliage provides cover for ground-dwelling insects and amphibians.

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a location with filtered sunlight or morning sun only.
Prepare a planting bed with acidic, well-drained, humus-rich soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the pot and slightly less deep.
Gently tease out the roots and place the plant in the hole.
Ensure the top of the root ball is above the surrounding soil level.
Backfill, water thoroughly, and mulch with pine needles or bark.

Pro Tip

The delicate color of 'Wakaebisu' shows best against a dark background, such as dark mulch or the shade of evergreens.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent water, especially in the heat of summer.
Maintain an acidic soil pH between 4.5 and 6.0.
Mulch to protect the shallow root system.
Prune lightly after blooming to maintain a dense habit.

Don't

Do not expose to hot, direct afternoon sun.
Avoid planting in heavy, wet clay soil.
Don't allow the plant to dry out, as it has a shallow root system.
Refrain from pruning after early July to avoid removing next year's buds.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Elegant low groundcover for shady areasFeature plant in an Asian-style or rock gardenChoice specimen for container gardening

Companion Plants

Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nanus' Asarum canadense Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood' Cornus kousa Hakonechloa macra

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Wakaebisu Satsuki Azalea questions

What zones can Wakaebisu Satsuki Azalea grow in?

Wakaebisu Satsuki Azalea is hardy in USDA Zones 7–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Wakaebisu Satsuki Azalea deer resistant?

Yes — Wakaebisu Satsuki Azalea is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Wakaebisu Satsuki Azalea bloom?

Wakaebisu Satsuki Azalea typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Wakaebisu Satsuki Azalea need full sun?

Wakaebisu Satsuki Azalea does best in part shade.