Dwarf azalea 'Martha hitchcock'

“These acid loving plants perform best under high or dappled shade with well drained soils enriched with organic compost or humus and a soil pH of 4.5-6.0 and good air circulation. Mulch with shredded pine bark, oak leaves, or other mulch that resists compaction and permits air and water to pass through. Protect from winter sunshine in colder climates to avoid desiccation. Summer pruning before mid-July will increase the number of shoots and the number of blooming branches the following spring, later pruning will reduce bloom. Control petal blight fungus promptly by removing blighted flowers and/or using a recommended fungicide.” ³

Try to plant in a location that enjoys partial sun and remember to water moderately. Martha hitchcock is generally regarded as a hardy plant, so it can be safe to leave outdoors for the majority of winter (although if in doubt, using a row cover is often a good idea). Martha hitchcock needs a loamy soil with a ph of 4.5 to 6.0 (moderately acidic soil to weakly acidic soil).

Martha hitchcock is hardy, so ensure you wait until all danger of frost has passed in your area before considering planting outside.

Rhododendron mucronatum [Indica alba] × ‘Shinnyo-no-tsuki’ (NA 70556; PI 163955; Bell # 39513) Introduced 1948.

¹ Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Details

² U.S. National Arboretum Plant Introduction Floral and Nursery Plants Research Unit

³ U.S. National Arboretum Plant Introduction Floral and Nursery Plants Research Unit