{"product_id":"rhododendron-aj-hisako-p11","title":"Rhododendron (AJ) 'Hisako' \/ P11","description":"\u003ch1\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRhododendron 'Hisako' – White Japanese Azalea – 11cm Pot\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRhododendron\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (Aronense Group) 'Hisako'\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSupplied in an 11cm pot (P11)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlant Highlights\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAbundant pure white spring flowers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e covering the compact shrub in May\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSmall, funnel-shaped blooms\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e that create a delicate, fresh appearance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDense, cushion-shaped growth\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e ideal for smaller garden spaces\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAttractive green foliage\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e providing structure beyond the flowering season\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExcellent for acidic-soil borders and containers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e in sheltered positions\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOverview\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRhododendron 'Hisako' is a compact Japanese azalea valued for its generous display of pure white flowers in late spring. Also sold under the name Geisha White, this cultivar produces numerous small, funnel-shaped blooms, approximately 2.5cm across, which can cover much of the shrub during May. The fresh white flowers contrast with its neat, elliptic green leaves, giving the plant a bright, clean appearance in spring borders.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBelonging to the Aronense Group of evergreen azaleas, 'Hisako' develops slowly into a dense, low, cushion-shaped shrub that spreads more widely than it grows tall. It is particularly effective near the front of an acidic-soil border, in a sheltered woodland-style garden or in a patio container filled with ericaceous compost. Its restrained size makes it a useful choice where a larger rhododendron would eventually become too dominant.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhy We Love It\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA beautiful white flowering display:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e The small flowers appear in abundance, creating a bright contrast against the green foliage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNaturally low and spreading:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Its cushion-shaped habit gives borders a soft, rounded outline without frequent shaping.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA useful spring companion:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e White blooms combine particularly well with ferns, pieris and other acid-loving plants.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIdeal for smaller planting spaces:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Its slow growth suits compact gardens, border edges and carefully maintained containers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAttractive beyond flowering:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Small green leaves provide a neat backdrop for neighbouring plants through much of the year.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlant Details\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAttribute\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInformation\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBotanical Name\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRhododendron\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (Aronense Group) 'Hisako'\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCultivar\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003e'Hisako'\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOther Trade Name\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGeisha White\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJapanese Azalea 'Hisako'\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlant Type\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCompact evergreen to semi-evergreen flowering shrub\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFlowers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSmall, single, funnel-shaped white flowers, approximately 2.5cm across\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFlowering Period\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLate spring, mainly May; sometimes extending into early June\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFoliage\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSmall, elliptic green leaves, brighter green when young\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrowth Habit\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDense, low, cushion-shaped and spreading\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMature Height\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApproximately 40–60cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMature Spread\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApproximately 60–70cm, potentially wider in favourable conditions\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrowth Rate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSlow\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePosition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePartial shade; gentle sun with adequate soil moisture\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSoil\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAcidic, humus-rich, moist but well-drained\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSoil pH\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAcidic\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHardiness\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCold-tolerant in suitable conditions; protect from exposed winds and severe winter weather\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePruning\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMinimal; light shaping immediately after flowering\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBest Uses\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAcidic borders, woodland-edge planting, low shrub groups and patio containers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrowing Guide\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePosition and Light\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlant 'Hisako' in partial shade, ideally where it receives gentle morning sunlight and protection from strong afternoon sun.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA sheltered east-facing border or a position beneath the light canopy of taller shrubs can provide suitable conditions. The white flowers are particularly attractive in lightly shaded areas, where they brighten the planting without needing intense sunlight.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid exposed sites subject to cold, drying winds, which can damage evergreen foliage and developing flower buds.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWatering and Establishment\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater thoroughly after planting and keep the soil evenly moist while the roots establish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAzaleas have shallow root systems, so young plants can dry out quickly during warm or windy weather. Check the soil around the root ball and water when the upper layer begins to dry.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOnce established, provide additional water during prolonged dry spells, particularly in late spring and summer when the plant is producing new growth and forming buds for the following year.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor container-grown plants, check compost moisture regularly and allow excess water to drain away.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRainwater is preferable where tap water is particularly hard, as repeated watering with alkaline water can gradually affect compost acidity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSoil and Compost\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e'Hisako' requires acidic, humus-rich soil that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor garden planting, choose a naturally acidic border with good drainage. Leaf mould or suitable organic matter can help improve soil structure and maintain moisture around the shallow roots.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid chalky or strongly alkaline soil, which can cause nutrient deficiencies and yellowing foliage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor containers, use a quality peat-free ericaceous compost and a pot with adequate drainage holes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlant shallowly, keeping the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil rather than burying the stems.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHardiness and Winter Care\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e'Hisako' is a cold-tolerant Japanese azalea, but its performance depends on shelter, drainage and winter exposure.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA protected position is particularly important in Irish gardens where cold winds and prolonged wet conditions can affect shallow-rooted evergreen shrubs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe cultivar is commonly described as evergreen, although some foliage may be shed during colder winters. This seasonal leaf loss does not necessarily indicate that the plant has failed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProtect young container-grown plants during prolonged severe frost by moving pots to a sheltered location or insulating the containers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid allowing the compost to remain saturated through winter, and protect developing flower buds from late spring frosts where possible.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeeding and Routine Maintenance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApply a suitable ericaceous fertiliser in spring if needed, following the manufacturer's instructions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA light mulch of leaf mould or suitable organic material helps conserve moisture and maintain favourable root conditions. Keep mulch away from the main stems.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e'Hisako' naturally develops a compact, cushion-shaped habit and usually requires very little pruning.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIf shaping is necessary, lightly trim immediately after flowering. Avoid pruning late in summer, as this may remove developing flower buds for the following spring.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRemove dead or damaged shoots when required.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFlowering and Seasonal Care\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe main flowering display usually occurs in May, although weather conditions may shift flowering slightly earlier or later.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOnce the flowers fade, new foliage growth helps prepare the plant for the following season.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaintain adequate moisture through summer, particularly during dry periods, to support healthy growth and flower-bud development.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid excessive feeding or hard pruning, which can disturb the cultivar's naturally compact shape.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePerfect For\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSmall garden borders:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Its low, spreading habit provides spring colour without the scale of a large rhododendron.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWoodland-edge planting:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e White flowers stand out against ferns and other shade-loving plants in acidic soil.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePatio containers:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e A suitable choice for ericaceous compost in a sheltered position with reliable watering.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFront-of-border planting:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e The cushion-shaped growth creates a neat transition between paths and taller shrubs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrouped azalea displays:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Several plants can create a coordinated sweep of white flowers in late spring.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGood to Know\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e'Hisako' is also sold as Geisha White. These names refer to the same white-flowering cultivar, not two different flower colours.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlthough often described as evergreen, 'Hisako' may lose some leaves during colder winters. Its compact growth and shallow roots also make shelter and consistent soil moisture important.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe plant requires acidic growing conditions. Where garden soil is alkaline, a container filled with ericaceous compost is generally the more reliable option.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProduct Information\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProduct:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Rhododendron 'Hisako'\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBotanical Name:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRhododendron\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (Aronense Group) 'Hisako'\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCultivar:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 'Hisako'\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOther Trade Name:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Geisha White\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e White Japanese Azalea\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePot Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 11cm (P11)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSupplied Format:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Potted flowering shrub\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProduct Barcode \/ SKU:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 8712044376936\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Pannebakker","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55251127435597,"sku":"8712044376936","price":7.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/8481\/2365\/files\/Rhododendron-AJ-Hisako-P11.png?v=1793571948","url":"https:\/\/easygarden.ie\/products\/rhododendron-aj-hisako-p11","provider":"Easy Garden Centre","version":"1.0","type":"link"}