Satsuki azalea 'Yata-no-kagami'
BeginnerRhododendron indicum 'Yata-no-kagami'
An old satsuki of unknown parentage dating from the Meiji era, with medium deep-red flowers marked by a large white centre. Its glossy, thick leaves colour beautifully in autumn, and it is vigorous and easy to train.
About
Yata-no-kagami is a satsuki azalea cultivar, an old variety of unknown parentage dating from the Meiji era. The Japan Satsuki Association lists it in the red group with a white centre, round-petalled and medium-sized, flowering early, with thick, glossy medium leaves that colour beautifully in autumn. Other guides describe deep red flowers with a large white central blotch or blush; the crisp red-and-white contrast is its highlight. It is vigorous, extends well and is easy to train, and is rated one of the finest old cultivars. Identify it by the white blotch in the centre of round, deep red medium flowers and by its glossy, thick leaves, which also give it autumn colour. Several variants carry other names: the white-ground form is 'Yata-no-homare', the narrow-petalled one 'Yata-no-sai', and the hakama-flowered one 'Beni-choju'. Check flower shape and colour to avoid mix-ups. It is sold steadily by specialist satsuki growers as bonsai material.
Size of the Satsuki azalea 'Yata-no-kagami'
The Satsuki azalea 'Yata-no-kagami' 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 (an old Meiji-era cultivar of unknown parentage)
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
Especially pest-prone: lace bugs, spider mites, aphids and thrips are common, so regular control is needed in the growing season
Satsuki azalea 'Yata-no-kagami' FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Satsuki azalea 'Yata-no-kagami'?
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 'Yata-no-kagami' get?
The mature size of Satsuki azalea 'Yata-no-kagami' 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 'Yata-no-kagami'?
Satsuki azalea 'Yata-no-kagami': watering & fertilizer — Fertilizer (April, June after flowering, Sept–Oct). Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Satsuki azalea 'Yata-no-kagami'?
The price of Satsuki azalea 'Yata-no-kagami' 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.
Primary sources
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 'Yata-no-kagami' in the MAFF database, checked Sept 2026).
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
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