Azalea mollis Satan

A stunning Knap Hill hybrid azalea, Rhododendron Satan is named for its devilishly deep red buds and autumn colour. It’s a medium-sized, deciduous shrub with an upright, bushy habit, beautiful in a woodland planting in acid soil, massed, or as a specimen, or in a courtyard garden. The large, oblong leaves are grey-green, colouring rich red in autumn. Satan is a later-flowering azalea; in June, the dark red buds open to prolific, large, funnel-shaped, rich orange-red flowers. Mulch well in spring to conserve moisture round the rather shallow roots. Particularly mildew resistant, Azalea Satan holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Site: Best in a sheltered site; can tolerate a more open site
Soil: Moist but well-drained, humus-rich, acid soil
Position: Best in partial shade; tolerates full sun in reliably moist, humus-rich soil
Season of interest: Early summer
Hardiness: Very hardy
Height: 5’6” (1.75m) Spread: 5’ (1.5m)