Royal Azalea (Rhododendron schlippenbachii) Seeds Fragrant Flowers – Brilliant Fall Color – Cold Hardy – Bonsai Friendly Add elegance and seasonal beauty to your garden with Royal Azalea, a striking, deciduous flowering shrub native to Korea, Manchuria, and Japan. Known for its showy, fragrant blooms and vibrant fall foliage, this azalea is a favorite among gardeners and bonsai enthusiasts alike. Plant Features: Botanical Name: Rhododendron schlippenbachii Common Name: Royal Azalea Growth Habit: Upright, rounded shrub Height/Spread: 6–8 ft tall wide (can reach up to 15 ft in natural habitat) Bloom Time: April – May Bloom Color: Pale pink to rose-pink or white, often with red-brown spots Flower Size: Up to 3.5 inches wide, in clusters at branch tips Fragrance: Yes – sweetly scented Fall Color: Stunning shades of yellow, orange, and crimson Hardiness: USDA Zones 4–6 (cold tolerant to -25F / -32C) Growth Rate: Slow – typically 4 ft in 10 years Sun Requirements: Part shade; tolerates sun in cool climates Soil: Acidic to slightly neutral, humus-rich, well-drained soil Water Needs: Medium; avoid drought and soggy soil Maintenance: Moderate – mulch annually, prune spent blooms Ideal For: Bonsai Woodland gardens shade borders Mass plantings, specimen shrubs Foundation plantings Cold-climate gardens Historical Note: Discovered in 1854 in Korea by Russian naval officer Baron von Schlippenbach, this azalea remains one of the finest species in the genus. During peak bloom, wild populations transform forest undergrowth into breathtaking pink landscapes. Seed Sowing Instructions: Due to their extremely small size, care is needed when handling. Type: Tiny seeds; not pretreated Sowing Method: Surface sow (do not cover) Germination Temp: 55–64F (13–18C) Medium: Acidic potting mix or peat Light: Bright, indirect light Note: Keep moist but not soggy. Avoid letting the medium dry out. Important Notes: Seeds are not from a named cultivar unless specified. Germination success depends on multiple factors—careful handling, environmental conditions, and soil preparation are essential.