Azalea Bonsai Care Guide (Easy Tips for Beginners)

Azaleas produce incredible flower displays and last year was fantastic. Let me tell you the KEY dates and Tasks that I ALWAYS follow to ensure my Satsuki Bonsai thrive. For more detailed videos on both Dwarf and Satsuki Azalea make sure to look through my Flowering Bonsai Playlist.
If you want to see more detailed explanations of this then I urge you to look at the playlist below.
More Videos about Azalea can be found here:
• Flowering & Fruiting B...
For more Bonsai Species Guides look here:
• Bonsai Species Guides ...
If you enjoyed this video; then please like, share and comment. To be notified of future videos consider subscribing:
www.youtube.com/@expressionso...
If you are interested in finding out about the smaller channels in our growing British Bonsai Community then you have to check out the following playlist:
• The Best of British Bo...
And don’t forget to see the latest Blog from my Expressions of Grace website and make sure you are up to date with my latest Bonsai Calendar entries…
God Bless & Happy Bonsaiing
Xavier
-- TIMESTAMPS --
00:00 A few Fun Facts about Azalea Bonsai.
02:02 What about the Flowers?
03:30 When is my BEST time for pruning?
04:32 What about Cuttings?
05:39 Repot: Spring or Summer?
06:52 When do I do my Wiring?
07:57 What are the issues with pests?
Equipment & Acknowledgements:
I use a Panasonic Lumix DMC 330 Bridge Camera
All video production using AVC Video Editor Software
Sound equipment courtesy of: johnaronphotography.co.uk
Handmade Ceramics by: Dawn Isaac of deiceramics.com
Please be aware that all details of products used are given for your benefit only - I do not receive any financial recompense. I just think they are good value and you should know where to buy them if interested.
#bonsaitree #bonsaigarden #bonsaicare #bonsaiuk #azalea #flowering

[@luigiluigi2098]

Nearly spat my coffee when Spock said "it won't take long" Your sense of humour is legendary buddy. Great information too.

[@TheBonsaiGarden]

😂

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Cheers - I spend more time trying to find those stupid memes than actually caring for my bonsai :)

[@joegarland4885]

Hi Xav that’s one of your best information videos on Satsuki Azaleas mate, I think there are too many people calling their Azaleas as Satsuki Azaleas, not all are, most I think are just Azaleas with no specimen name bought from garden centres super markets. I don’t have any in my collection, I may see if I can find a couple to work on this year but I will try to make sure they are Satsuki Azaleas and you bet I will be replaying this video. Thanks Xav. All the best. Joe

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Thanks so much for that encouragement Joe. My rest period is coming to an end with that last species video. I did some thread grafts yesterday and have to try and sort out all my Jade cuttings (which I really don't like much). I fear there will be another jade Forest planting on the screen soon :)

[@joegarland4885]

@@XaviersBonsaiRetreat Hi Xav glad you were happy with my encouragement mate fully deserved, that time of year is coming along fast when we can get outside and spend more time with our trees. I am trying a couple of experiments with different materials to wrap around trunks before bending, you saw the one I did using vet tape which worked well to produce severe bends in the trunk to make a mame size tree, the big problem with it is taking it off when it has done its job as it is very sticky so I am trying to a string/ jute type and a paper raffia type product that degrades whilst on the tree I will let you know how it goes. It’s a case of doing something to stimulate the brain instead of sitting doing very little. Enjoy your bonsai year and keep the vids coming. Joe

[@thetreestyler]

Nice work xav. Love a good Azalea Bonsai!!​@XaviersBonsaiRetreat

[@TellMeMoreTMM]

Great video! Azalea are my favorite of my trees. The only thing I noticed that I differ on is when you said you can trim them back as much as you want. When I've reclaimed very old azalea I noticed I can't take too much off any super thick/long branch or else it sometimes kills the branch. Now if I have a big removal I take about half the first year and let it back bud then the other half the next year. Excellent video Xavier! Thanks for sharing.

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

I started off doing it that way to reassure myself that they bud readily from old wood. But over the last years I have become a lot more adventurous and achieved the same results. Howver, I have definitely had one that did not repsond to this treatment and died. Not sure if health of the tree plays into this? Great to see you add this comment to the video. Thanks :)

[@pip110.5]

Another great vid Xav. Apparently in Japan the letter U is silent, hence “Satski”.

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Brilliant - I knew somebody would have the answer :)

[@Steves_Backyard_Bonsai]

Fantastic watch Xav. Great way to spend a lazy Saturday afternoon.

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Unfortunately the bonsai work has started as I did a couple of Thread Grafts yesterday on my Tridents.

[@sueb1317]

Oh your display is going to be gorgeous this year! Thank you for this wonderful guide. None in my collection yet, but am dreaming for tte future!

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Don't dream too long Sue :)

[@sueb1317]

@@XaviersBonsaiRetreat 🌺❤🌱

[@nerinat8371]

Your azalea's looks lovely, great info! Thx Xavier

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Thank you Nerina - they just be flowering nicely out in Auz right now :)

[@RogersGardenandBonsai]

I've only got one - bought in Oct. 2022 and repotted in mid-Apr. 2023 not expecting any blooms. I did get a few blooms and some new growth last year. Hopefully it will 'get going' this year as it should have established some new roots into new media. I would like 1 or 2 more so maybe I'll pay a visit to Windybank once the new stock is 'in' (March?) and available. I didn't realise ordinary garden centre plants were ok to use?

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

I love the dwarf azalea because they flower so much earlier - my purple variety are already starting to bloom. They are also much more UK hardy but optherwise I treat them exactly the same. Take cuttings from yours 'mid spring' and you will soon have more :)

[@Bonsaicrazy]

Great vid xav That helps me with my boat this year 👊👊

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

No worries Andy

[@Darkfire1300]

As usual, great video, humor and information! I have no Satsuki azaleas - yet! I do have the hardy garden azaleas from ground layers. Easy to do. Garden azaleas are hardy in the frost and while they don't have the flamboyance of a Satsuki, they are very satisfying. I make sure I plant in acidic substrate. Made the mistake of completely inorganic (I don't like kanuma or the other Japanese substrates because of costs and other issues) 2 years ago and the plants have languished. New, acidic and more organic soil this year. Let tap water sit for 48 hours and the nasties, other than the calcium (which is the alkaline) evaporate. I save and freeze the dregs from my coffee pot and cup every morning. Then I have acidic cubes to "water" the plants with. They, and my blueberry plants love the acidic coffee water. Re pronunciation, Peter Chan says "Sat-Suki". I haven't a clue and don't think it matters! Thanks!!! for your effort and willingness to "be out front" with your videos.

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

That is really helpful for me and others - thank you Susan. next two videos are Thread grafting AND my '2 years on KZbin Earnings Special (The reality)'.

[@jjj7665]

Thank you for your reply. I will definitely try that. Thanks again.

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

My pleasure - enjoy the week :)

[@markjagger7139]

Great tips Xav, I love Azalea and hopefully will be picking one up.

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

It definitely brings something different to any collection.

[@treeaddict]

Great video as always, one of my azaleas just bloomed today!

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Fantastic. Best cut those flowers off :)

[@phillipwaterman5721]

Nice job xavier keep up the good work mate thanks

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Thanks as always Phillip. Have a great week

[@TOMSAI]

Hey Xav. You have a lot of lovley Azaleen 🌺, I'm really looking forward to the new flowers. these are simply a dream. I wish you all the Best for the growing Session! Cheers 🍻 Tom

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Thanks Tom - bonsai work has started :)

[@KennetDeBondt]

Good info Xav, thx. Grts Kennet

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Cheers Kennet

[@maryoverton7245]

love the information, almost tempted to try again. Lost so many

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

It is so strange how we all seem to have a aplant 'that hates us'. I just can't keep lemons alive...but I am still hopeful with the last cutting :)

[@TheBonsaiGarden]

Great guide and info 👍

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Thanks Jason

[@oachkatzlsmum]

It’s a pleasure to watch your azaleas- they are gorgeous ❤ Even more lovley to watch because I don’t have any of this kind. 😄 Main point in my case: I would must have a lot of them, and there’s not that much space left… 😂 Enjoy your day 😘 Cheers 🙋‍♀️

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Reasons for moving... I need to buy some azalea bonsai :)

[@oachkatzlsmum]

@@XaviersBonsaiRetreat 😂😂😂👍😘

[@jjj7665]

Your azaleas look very nice. It is nice to see how your azaleas prosper, I do not have much luck with growing them I must be doing something wrong. Very well done.

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

I found it got easier when I started being less afraid of pruning them back. I have definitely found they like to be hacked bck post flowering to allow all the new shoots to grow from which the following years flowers will grow.

[@BobMatthews]

Loved it Xav, great video. I've got 3 satskis and 2 dwarfs so off to Herons in the morn to get me some kanuma - luckily for me it seems to be one the cheapest in the country at £20 for 14ltrs. :)

[@maryweber4176]

I'm jealous you live by Herons.

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

That does seem a good price. I just have the one bag left so am alright for at least another year :)

[@BobMatthews]

@@maryweber4176 Yeah but the downside is......... I always end up looking at irresistable new trees when my greenhouse and benches are already stuffed 😂

[@maryweber4176]

Doesn't sound like a downside to me.@@BobMatthews

[@mikec3820]

so many azalea types and colors. i want one of the new reblooming kind ive seen recently. flower show in spring and fall

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Fall flowers would be spectacular :

[@averyprice9422]

Those encores

[@mmjnice97]

i have an azalea that flowers early fall time. its always a welcome splash of color right before leaves start to change color for fall

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Do you know what species it is? It would be great to have a late flowering variety in my collection.

[@NinjAaaron87]

Great video! Was an instant fan. As a new comer to bonsai w an azalea, I found this very helpful.

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Thank you for those kind words - I have just repotted several dwarf azaleas (post flowering). I'd love to see a picture of your azalea if you can :)

[@NinjAaaron87]

@@XaviersBonsaiRetreat yeah absolutely! I'm not sure how to get it to you tho 😅

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

@@NinjAaaron87 People send me pictures via: [e-mail]

[@MeadowViewBonsai]

Great stuff again mate, the Duchess stays out all weathers, I do have a summer and winter routine for her though, all though I do a get a bit twitchy in spring when new growth is popping and we have frosts forecast, bonsai shuffle time lol

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

You and me both Darren. I'm getting tired of these scare mongering weather men who keep shouting out about 'worst ever' polar snow storms battering our country etc.... The weathe rhasn't changed a bit in my opinion - usual cyclical variations :)

[@MeadowViewBonsai]

@@XaviersBonsaiRetreatexactly, just trying to get extra clicks or taps on their website, drama queens the lot of them lol

[@MIMMO4068]

Ottimo Video

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Thank you for watching and commenting :)

[@MIMMO4068]

Grazie a te, cosa mi consigli, tra concimi e fertilizzanti e in quali periodi, io uso solo kanuma ed è la mia prima Satsuki appena rinvasata, ma non vedo boccioli quindi penso che farò una potatura in settimana, grazie mille.@@XaviersBonsaiRetreat

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

@@MIMMO4068 Io uso un fertilizzante generale come Biogold e trovo anche che Kanuma sia il migliore con un po' di muschio di sfagno tagliato dentro. Non riesco mai a vedere i boccioli dei fiori sul mio satsuki finché non iniziano improvvisamente a gonfiarsi a fine maggio - non ne vedo mai in questo periodo dell'anno, ma i fiori sembrano sempre arrivare. Quindi al momento trattengo la potatura.

[@FrostBiteBonsai]

Hmmmm.... Perhaps a couple reasons you mentioned that might be why my Azaleas aren't so happy... Great video Xavier!

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Morning Marysol - they definitely like to be pampered. :)

[@FrostBiteBonsai]

@@XaviersBonsaiRetreat I did some more reading, as I don't have much snow this year. I can use distilled water or.... Bum bum buuummm... Dehumidifier water!! I added some acid loving type fertilizer too. See if that helps them!

[@tomsbonsaidiary]

Morning Xav, thank a bunch for this video. Azaleas are one of the trees I’m not very confident with. Last year I just let mine grow and now it’s really leggy with a couple leaves at the end of each branches. It’s not doing as well as I was hoping tbh. Will have to follow this guide, and try prune it back later this year to get some back budding and being the tree in a little more. 👌

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Hi Tom. I was the same until i took the plunge and pruned back heavily - post flowering. Azaleas love that sort of abuse and push loads of compact new growth for the following years flowers.

[@tomsbonsaidiary]

@@XaviersBonsaiRetreat Would it be ok/survive if I cut back every branch (all foliage would be gone) after this next flowering. If not I guess you could do it in stages. Didn’t do it last year as wasn’t sure, but I need to get some inner growth as otherwise it’ll just turn into a bush lol.

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

@@tomsbonsaidiary you can take it all back to where you want buds. I did it in stages until I was confident of the process.

[@tomsbonsaidiary]

@@XaviersBonsaiRetreat Ah nice. I think I will do that also, just to keep some leaves on the tree. Or at least let the cut branches bud before cutting the others. Thanks for the info.

[@maryweber4176]

My wine gives me a warm fuzzy feeling. I just can't have it during one of your videos. I've nearly choked on it a few times. Off to see what Jelle has going....... He's not so funny.

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

But at least he knows what he is doing! Some of the stuff that doesn't make it into the video would truly shock :()

[@maryweber4176]

So how do we get to view the 'outtakes'?@@XaviersBonsaiRetreat

[@raymondbirds2392]

Lovely job, bought one from garden centre and want to repot it into a bigger pot. I want to grow it bigger. Is it ok to repot it now feb almost march

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

I should think there would be no problem potting it now. If it is flowering you could wait a few more weeks and enjoy the blooms. Up to you really :)

[@brucedeacon28]

👍👌🙂

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Thanks Bruce

[@ryanbavery1247]

What about collection? I have a couple Azaleas in the garden that I'm looking to move into growing pots this year. Around April would be the ideal yamadori collection period for my area so I figured that would be a reasonable time to make the move. We could easily get cold/snow after that but I can protect them. Or do you recommend waiting until the flowers are gone before transplanting?

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

If you can protect them then I would be inclined to go for it. BUT...I have never collected Azalea although I think they are a pretty tough species in the ground. let me know how you get on :)

[@ryanbavery1247]

Well, like I said, they're in the garden so it's not wild collection. But, I have one in particular with a natural semi-cascade that will look amazing in a pot. Will let you know how it goes.

[@mick681]

I have two really nice azaleas, however only one flowers. The larger of the two doesn't for some reason flower (well one flower last year) even though it is extremely healthy. Even now there are no flower buds. Bit at a loss as to why. You could say it's a bummer.

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

It can be strange. My azaleas went three years without flowering and then the past 2 years have started to bloom more regularly. In my case I definitely put it down to bad soil, poor repotting and a general lack of care. Is one of them just sulking because you spend too much attention admiring the other :)

[@mick681]

@@XaviersBonsaiRetreat don’t think so. Both are in kanuma with a small amount of grated sphagnum moss and watered with rain water. I think that I will just have to be patient and wait and see what happens.

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Sounds like you have it right...just wait :)@@mick681

[@PuananiKane]

Dialectical 😂😊❤❤❤

[@PuananiKane]

I was just gifted one,, flowers all dead 😵

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

I love playing with language - I could create a whole new bonsai dictionary :)

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

But how is the tree itself?