Kurume azalea

Rhododendron obtusum var. sakamotoi

Flower name
Kurume azalea
Scientific name
Rhododendron obtusum var. sakamotoi
Alias久留米躑躅, キリシマツツジ, 霧島躑躅
Place of originJapan
Place of floweringGarden, Bonsai, Potted flower
Flowering seasonApril, May
Language of flowersSelf-control

What is Kurume azalea

Kurume azalea (scientific name: Rhododendron obtusum var. sakamotoi) is a native of Japan and an improved variety of Azalea (scientific name: Rhododendron ferrugineum L.). It was bred in the Edo period by Motozo Sakamoto, a Kurume feudal lord, based on yama tsutsuji (Rhododendron kaempferi), Kirishima azalea (Scientific name: Rhododendron obtusum), and sata tsutsuji, and is still produced in Kurume today. Flower colors are red, white, peach, purple, and many others. It is characterized by its small flowers, shrubby habit, large number of flowers, and early flowering. The genus name 'Rhododendron' is coined from the Latin words 'rhodon' (rose) and 'dendron' (tree), and the species name 'obtusum' ( The species name 'obtusum' is a dedication to 'obtusum' (blunt), and the variant 'sakamotoi' is a dedication to the breeder, Motozo Sakamoto. Many garden varieties have been produced from Kurume-tsutsuji, as well as hydrangea.

Common name: Kurume azalea, scientific name: Rhododendron obtusum var. sakamotoi, height: 1 to 1.5 m, life form: semi-evergreen shrub, leaf blade Semi-evergreen shrub; Leaf length: 2 to 3 cm; Radiata: radially symmetrical flowers, joint flowers; Flower diameter: 2 to 4 cm; Flower shape: funnel-shaped with 5 deep lobes; Flowering season: April to May; Flower colors: red, white, peach, purple; Uses: potted plants, planters.