Satsuki azalea 'Shinnyo-no-tsuki'

Satsuki azalea 'Shinnyo-no-tsuki' key facts

Growing Difficulty

Intermediate

Lifespan

Little data for the cultivar

Size

Satsuki is an evergreen shrub of about 0.5–1 m; this large-flowered, larger-leaved cultivar is usually made into a fairly large bonsai

Watering

Fertilizer (April, June after flowering, Sept–Oct)

Light & placement

Likes light, but summer sun scorches leaves and roots. Give young plants full sun; keep finished trees in part shade, always with good airflow

Watering

Likes water but its fine roots rot if waterlogged: 1–2 times daily in spring, 2–3 in summer, every 2–3 days in winter. Avoid watering in the midday heat

Temperature & overwintering

Reasonably hardy but dislikes cold winter wind; keep the pot from freezing under eaves or similar

Soil & repotting

Coarse, acidic kanuma-based mix. Repot right after flowering (June) or in autumn (late Sep–early Oct)

Fertilizer

Solid fertilizer about April as new leaves harden, after flowering in June, and monthly in Sep–Oct. Underfeeding causes dieback

Pruning & styling

Flower buds form in July to mid-August, so finish pinching and pruning in June (early July west of Kanto). With large flowers and leaves, train a fairly large tree rather than keeping it small

Pests & cautions

Especially pest-prone: lace bugs, spider mites, aphids and thrips are common, so regular control is needed in the growing season

About Satsuki azalea 'Shinnyo-no-tsuki'

Satsuki azalea 'Shinnyo-no-tsuki' features large purple blooms with a white "sokojiro" center. Bred in early Showa Japan, it suits intermediate growers and is often trained into larger bonsai forms.

7 things to know before growing Satsuki azalea 'Shinnyo-no-tsuki'

1. 1Sun and Airflow

   Because Shinnyo-no-tsuki produces such large blooms, plenty of sunlight helps it flower well. Strong midday sun in summer can scorch the foliage, though, so give it some afternoon shade or use shade cloth. Good air circulation around the pot also helps prevent pests and disease.

2. 2Watering

   Satsuki azaleas have fine roots that dry out easily, so water thoroughly whenever the soil surface feels dry. Because Shinnyo-no-tsuki's large flowers and leaves are especially sensitive to drought stress, keep a close eye on watering during the bloom period and through summer.

3. 3Well-Draining Soil

   Satsuki azaleas prefer well-draining, slightly acidic soil, and mixes based mainly on kanuma soil are commonly used. Heavy or poorly drained soil raises the risk of root rot, so a ready-made Satsuki azalea potting mix is an easy way to get this right.

4. 4Repot After Flowering

   The best time to repot is right after flowering finishes. Gently loosen the old soil rather than aggressively cutting back the fine roots, since heavy root pruning stresses the plant. Since Shinnyo-no-tsuki is often grown into a larger form, choose pot sizes that keep pace with the tree's growth.

5. 5Pruning After Bloom

   Next year's flower buds form on new shoots that emerge soon after blooming ends, so pruning and pinching should be done as early as possible after flowering. Wait too long and you risk cutting off the very buds that would have flowered the following year.

6. 6Choosing a Plant

   Since Shinnyo-no-tsuki's large flowers and slightly larger leaves lend themselves to bigger bonsai forms, it's worth confirming you have enough space and a large enough pot before buying. Branch balance and how clearly the white "sokojiro" center shows can vary between individual plants, so if possible, check photos or the plant in bloom before choosing.

7. 7Care Difficulty

   Shinnyo-no-tsuki is considered suited to intermediate growers, since it calls for bud-aware pruning and careful watering on top of standard Satsuki care. Those with some prior experience growing Satsuki azaleas should find it manageable.

Frequently asked questions about Satsuki azalea 'Shinnyo-no-tsuki'

Q.What do Shinnyo-no-tsuki flowers look like?

A.It produces large purple flowers with a white "sokojiro" center, where the color fades to white in the middle of each bloom. This gives the flowers a layered look that solid-colored varieties don't have.

Q.Is this variety suitable for beginners?

A.Shinnyo-no-tsuki is generally considered better suited to intermediate growers. It's a good fit once you're comfortable with the basics of Satsuki azalea care, like watering and pruning timing.

Q.How large does it grow?

A.Because Shinnyo-no-tsuki has large flowers and slightly larger leaves, it is usually trained into a comparatively large tree to show off its blooms, rather than kept small and compact.

Q.When is the best time to repot?

A.The best time to repot is right after the flowers finish blooming. Loosen the soil gently rather than disturbing the fine roots too much.

Q.When should I prune it?

A.Prune and pinch back new growth as soon as possible after flowering ends. If you wait too long, you risk cutting off the buds that would have produced next year's flowers.

Handy Growing Tools for Satsuki azalea 'Shinnyo-no-tsuki'

Learn more about Satsuki azalea 'Shinnyo-no-tsuki' in the encyclopedia

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