Evergreen or Japanese Azaleas

Their selection and breeding goes back hundreds of years in Japan. Hybridisation did not begin in the West until introductions were made at the beginning of 20th century. Most notable at Exbury are the Kurume Azaleas. They were first imported by Earnest Wilson and subsequently known as Wilson’s 50. Varieties include, Hino Crimson, Hinodegiri, Kirin, Mother’s Day, Amoenum. They are displayed en masse in the Azalea Bowl, generally at it’s best in late April through to mid-May.