WHAT'S THAT AZALEA DOING IN MY SOUP ?

Rhododendron 'Poukhanenses '

When I recommend some of the beautiful azaleas we have at the garden center where I work a few days a week without fail the customer will say " I can't grow azaleas . " Oh yes you can I reply, if you select the right one. And, selecting the right kind for our very harsh winters here is really key. Which brings me to the Rhododendron 'Poukhanenses ' , or Korean azalea. Azaleas are, as most experienced gardeners know, members of the Rhododendron family.

In the Poukhan Mountains of Korea these azaleas grow without any help from mankind which make them a very hardy, carefree plant . I couldn't bring myself to pick the beautiful flowers from my Korean azalea, however , the villagers in the Korean mountain side not only pick them but make soup and cakes from them as well.

The Korean azalea is unique in that it is deciduous and can loose its leaves in the winter if it needs to, but this seldom happens. What I like most about it is it's loose and open habit that looks so very natural. Korean azaleas can get 4 to 5 feet tall and wide, however , a more compact form of it has been developed if space is a problem.