Source: Wikimedia Commons
Satsuki azalea 'Nikko'
BeginnerRhododendron indicum 'Nikko'
A satsuki found as a sport of the old cultivar 'Kozan'. Small flowers in pale salmon-pink with stripes and flecks, plus solid red, pink or white on the same plant. Small leaves, good branching and budding make it a bonsai staple.
About
Nikko is a satsuki azalea cultivar that arose as a sport of the old variety 'Kozan'. According to the Japan Satsuki Association it was found by Gisaburo Uehara of Takasaki, Gunma, and registered with the Tochigi Satsuki Society in 1959 (a registration by a growers' society, not under the Plant Variety Protection Act). Flowers are small, round-petalled, pale salmon-pink with stripes and flecks, and one plant bears solid red, pale pink, pink or white as well; it blooms slightly early. The leaves are small and slightly rounded, and the plant extends well, branches and buds freely, making it ideal for bonsai. Compared with its parent Kozan, which has single pale salmon flowers, Nikko shows a wider range of colours and stripes, yet some plants bloom almost like Kozan, so choose in flower. Nikko has thrown many sports of its own, sold under other names such as a pure white form, the semi-double 'Nikko-no-hana' and the star-marked 'Nikko-no-hoshi'. It won the Japan Satsuki Association's Minister of Agriculture prize and is sold in large numbers as bonsai material.
Size of the Satsuki azalea 'Nikko'
The Satsuki azalea 'Nikko' grows to Satsuki is an evergreen shrub of about 0.5–1 m; as bonsai it is trained to suit the pot.
Basic Info
Origin
Japan (sport of 'Kozan'; registered with the Tochigi Satsuki Society in 1959)
Lifespan
Little data for the cultivar
Size
Satsuki is an evergreen shrub of about 0.5–1 m; as bonsai it is trained to suit the pot
Temperature
-5〜35℃
Watering & Fertilizer
Fertilizer (April, June after flowering, Sept–Oct)
Growing Tips
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). Wire in April and Sep–Oct
Pests & cautions
Pest-prone: watch for lace bugs, spider mites, aphids and thrips. Some plants bloom much like Kozan, so choose one in flower
Satsuki azalea 'Nikko' FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Satsuki azalea 'Nikko'?
Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.
QHow large does Satsuki azalea 'Nikko' get?
The mature size of Satsuki azalea 'Nikko' is Satsuki is an evergreen shrub of about 0.5–1 m; as bonsai it is trained to suit the pot. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Satsuki azalea 'Nikko'?
Satsuki azalea 'Nikko': watering & fertilizer — Fertilizer (April, June after flowering, Sept–Oct). Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Satsuki azalea 'Nikko'?
The price of Satsuki azalea 'Nikko' varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not listed by CITES and not regulated for domestic sale. Not a registered variety under the Plant Variety Protection Act (no entry for 'Nikko' in the MAFF database, checked Sept 2026). Its 1959 'registration' was with the Tochigi Satsuki Society, not under the Act.
Sources: Species+ (CITES listing search) / MAFF Plant Variety Registration Database
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
Related Articles
How to Grow Satsuki Bonsai | Pruning and Fertilizing Tips for Blooming Flowers
We explain Satsuki's charm, variety selection, post-bloom pruning, repotting with Kanuma soil, and the conditions for flower bud formation.
Bonsai Aged Wood Techniques | Creating Branch Aging Expression and Tree Age Aesthetics
Explains techniques for creating bonsai that appear aged from young stock. Introduces practical methods for expressing tree age aesthetics, from bark texture and branch structure to root development expression and changes over time.
How to Prevent Fertilizer Burn in Bonsai | Determining the Right Fertilizer Amount and Concentration
Why does fertilizer burn occur in bonsai? This explains the mechanism of osmotic pressure, how to identify early symptoms such as browning of leaf tips, why it occurs easily in midsummer and right after repotting, and emergency measures and preventive strategies.
A Guide to Giving Bonsai as Gifts | Appropriate Species and Etiquette for Longevity Celebrations and Business Opening Celebrations
This guide explains how to choose bonsai species and proper etiquette when giving bonsai as gifts for celebrations. It introduces recommended species for different occasions such as longevity celebrations and business opening celebrations, as well as how to choose species while considering management requirements.
🩺 Common diseases
Can't find the plant you're looking for?
Post your wishes for free and growers with matching plants will contact you with introductions.