azalea/rhododendron

Mike123

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Are they good cadendates for bonsai?
If so can you cut back hard?
 

aml1014

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Yes azaleas are very good for bonsai, rhododendrons are good bit have a larger leaf and flower so you need to aim for a larger tree with them, and they definitely back budd after hard cutbacks.
Do a search on the forum, you'll find loads of threads on them both.

Aaron
 

Mike123

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Ok thanks.
Wasn't sure because it says Azalea/ rhododendron hybrid....
 

Mike123

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So it dosnt necessary have to be a azalea true and true they can be a hybrid?
 
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So it dosnt necessary have to be a azalea true and true they can be a hybrid?
People use virtually any/all azalea varieties for bonsai. Keep in mind the smaller the leaf the 'better' it'll likely look as a bonsai tree, so consider avoiding the varieties with large leaves unless you want a large finished tree. But in the end, if you like and enjoy what you pick out that's what ultimately matters.
 

CWTurner

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Mike, All azalea are rhododendron I believe. Don't know what an azalea/rhodo hybrid would be, but these plants have been cultivated almost as much as orchids, so there's probably hundreds of varieties. As other said, look for the small leaf variety of either. And nice trunks...don't forget nice trunks.
CW
 
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