Rhododendron molle subsp. japonicum (Azalea molle)

Botanical name

Rhododendron molle subsp. japonicum

Other names

Azalea molle

Genus

Rhododendron Rhododendron

Species

R. molle subsp. japonicum - R. molle subsp. japonicum is an upright, bushy shrub with small, oblong leaves turning red in autumn and fragrant yellow flowers flushed orange-red in spring.

Foliage

Deciduous

Habit

Bushy, Rounded

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Colour

Flower

Yellow, Orange-red in Spring

Foliage

Green in Spring; Green in Summer; Red in Autumn

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How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Aphids , Caterpillars , Lacebugs , Leafhoppers , Vine weevil

Specific diseases

Honey fungus , Powdery mildew , Rhododendron bud blast , Rhododendron petal blight , Root rot , Rust , Silver leaf

General care

Propagation methods

Layering, Semi-hardwood cuttings

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Rhododendron molle subsp. japonicum (Azalea molle) will reach a height of 1.5m and a spread of 1m after 5-10 years.

Suggested uses

Banks and Slopes, Cottage/Informal, Beds and borders, Wallside and trellises

Cultivation

Plant shallowly in moist, humus-rich, free-draining, acid soil in sun or dappled shade. This variety will tolerate moisture and slightly more alkaline conditions than some other rhododendrons. Prefers shade from early morning sun.

Soil type

Clay, Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained, Moisture-retentive, Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid

Light

Partial Shade, Full Sun

Aspect

North, South, East, West

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Rhododendron molle subsp. japonicum (Azalea molle)

Common pest name

Ramorum leaf blight; Ramorum shoot dieback; Rhododendron twig blight; Sudden oak death

Scientific pest name

Phytophthora ramorum

Type

Oomycete

Current status in UK

Present (Limited)

Likelihood to spread in UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

Pathogen of larch and other hosts subject to EU emergency legislation. A containment strategy is in place in the UK; reflecting its presence in wider environment/forestry settings in some areas. EU regulatory status is under review.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Rhododendron molle subsp. japonicum (Azalea molle)

Common pest name

leaf rust of blueberry

Scientific pest name

Thekopsora minima

Type

Fungus

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Rust fungus affecting blueberry and hemlock. This fungus has been detected in Europe (Germany; Netherlands and Portugal). Some uncertainty about the suitability of UK native host species. But the case for regulation should be considered based on the EPPO PRA.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Rhododendron molle subsp. japonicum (Azalea molle)

Common pest name

Andromeda lace bug; Pieris lace bug

Scientific pest name

Stephanitis takeyai

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Present (Widespread)

Likelihood to spread in UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Eradication was attempted 1996-2006; but pest now considered established.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/