Hey Sport! (Azalea)

[Damian Bee]

Hi folks,

I thought some of you may be interested in some photo's of Azalea which are exhibiting sports and colour variation in the leaves as soon it will be Azalea season soon. The variation in the leaves is a precursor to the colour arrangement in the flower. I have observed it with a variety known as Meicho and read it somewhere but I can't find it now so if anyone knows it, please point me to it so I have piece of mind. If anyone is interested, I will post some photos of winter colour too. I appologise for the photo quality, when time allows I will take better ones.

If you have some odd stuff happening with your Azalea, please post it.

Enjoy

[mudlarkpottery]

That's really interesting. I would have just thought with the last one particularly, that the azalea had a minor problem with the leaves. I'll keep that in mind when any of mine show different flower patterns. Thanks.
Penny.

[techpetal]

Thanks Damien,

you obviously know a fair bit about Rhodos etc. and have quite a few there. I'll watch yor future posts with interest. Awesome.

[Damian Bee]

That's really interesting. I would have just thought with the last one particularly, that the azalea had a minor problem with the leaves. I'll keep that in mind when any of mine show different flower patterns. Thanks.
Penny.

Hi penny,
The last photo is showing leaves with colour patterns, the Winter temps (generally below 5ºc) will highlight these patterns. The leaf is one of the first from last years Spring growth, it will drop off soon when the branch swells. I will post some winter colour photos later today to show some of the effects cold can have on azalea/Rhododendron varieties

[Jester]

Hi Damian, can you tell me you mean when you say exhibiting "Sports"? What are sports? Are they colour variations?

Thanks


John

[Damian Bee]

I will do my best Jester.
When a Azalea or even Camellia exhibit a sport, they are producing variations or mutations from the plants original appearance. The variations may be seen in the leaf and or flower. Satsuki Azalea are highly prized for this ability and many new varieties have been produced over the years by observance and propagation of these sports. Osakazuki (Osakasuki) has a well known sport by the name of Chinzan, it has smaller rounder leaves and a flower with same colour but rounded lobes and about 15-20% smaller. I hope this answers your question Jester

[Jester]

It certainly does, thanks Damian