{"product_id":"rhododendron-aj-silver-sword-p11","title":"Rhododendron (AJ) 'Silver Sword' \/ P11","description":"\u003ch1\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRhododendron 'Silver Sword' – Evergreen 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 'Silver Sword'\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\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlant Highlights:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Rich pinkish-red spring flowers • Distinctive green and creamy-white variegated foliage • Compact, bushy evergreen growth • Attractive in partial shade • Excellent for acidic-soil borders and patio containers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOverview\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRhododendron 'Silver Sword' is a distinctive evergreen Japanese azalea that combines colourful spring flowers with unusually attractive variegated foliage. During April and May, clusters of rich rose-red to purplish-red, funnel-shaped flowers open above glossy green leaves edged in creamy white. The flowers have gently ruffled lobes, creating a colourful contrast against the pale leaf margins. Unlike many spring-flowering azaleas, 'Silver Sword' remains decorative long after its flowers have faded, thanks to its evergreen variegation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNaturally compact, bushy and wider-spreading with age, this cultivar is particularly useful for smaller gardens, woodland-edge planting and sheltered patio containers. Its pale-edged leaves brighten partially shaded positions throughout the year, while the spring flowers provide a stronger burst of seasonal colour. Planted alongside ferns, pieris or other acid-loving shrubs, it brings a different foliage pattern to the planting without requiring the space of a large rhododendron.\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\u003eUnusual evergreen variegation:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Creamy-white leaf margins give this azalea a lighter appearance throughout the year, even outside its flowering season.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRichly coloured spring blooms:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Open, ruffled flowers in deep pinkish-red tones create a vivid display against the variegated leaves.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCompact garden proportions:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Its relatively low, well-branched growth suits smaller borders and carefully positioned containers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTwo distinct seasons of interest:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Spring flowering is followed by attractive foliage, which may develop reddish or bronze tones during colder weather.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExcellent woodland companion:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Works particularly well with other acid-loving plants that enjoy moist, humus-rich soil and filtered sunlight.\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 'Silver Sword'\u003c\/span\u003e\n\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\u003eSilver Sword Evergreen Azalea, Japanese Azalea\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 flowering shrub\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\u003eGlossy green, narrow oval leaves with irregular creamy-white margins\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\u003eSingle, openly funnel-shaped, ruffled, deep pinkish-red to purplish-red\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\u003eSpring, generally April to May\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSeasonal Interest\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpring flowers and year-round variegated foliage\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, bushy, broadly rounded and spreading\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 or filtered sunlight\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, moisture-retentive but well-drained\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 60–90cm\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 75–100cm, potentially wider with age\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-hardy evergreen azalea; approximately −18°C under suitable conditions, with exposure and winter conditions affecting performance\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\u003eLight pruning immediately after flowering, if needed\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\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChoose a position in partial shade or gentle filtered sunlight. Morning sun followed by afternoon shade is particularly suitable, allowing the plant to flower well without exposing the foliage to prolonged intense sunshine.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid hot, exposed south-facing positions where the leaves and shallow roots may dry out. A sheltered east-facing border, woodland edge or position beneath the light canopy of taller shrubs can provide favourable conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAllow sufficient space for the plant to spread naturally as it matures.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWatering\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater thoroughly after planting and maintain evenly moist soil while the roots establish. Azaleas have relatively shallow root systems, making them sensitive to prolonged drying during their first growing season.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOnce established, water during extended dry spells, particularly in spring and summer when flower buds and new growth are developing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor container-grown plants, check the compost regularly during warm or windy weather. Water when the upper layer begins to dry, allowing excess moisture to drain freely.\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 raise compost pH.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSoil and Compost\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e'Silver Sword' grows best in acidic, humus-rich soil that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged. A soil pH of approximately 4.5–6 is suitable for healthy azalea growth.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn garden borders, incorporate leaf mould or well-rotted organic matter where appropriate to improve soil structure and moisture retention.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid strongly alkaline or chalky soils, which can interfere with nutrient uptake and cause yellowing foliage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor containers, use a quality peat-free ericaceous compost in a pot with adequate drainage holes. Maintain a layer of suitable organic mulch around the roots, keeping it clear of the main 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'Silver Sword' is a cold-hardy evergreen azalea, with cultivar records indicating tolerance of approximately −18°C under suitable conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn Irish gardens, winter success depends not only on minimum temperature but also on drainage, exposure and protection from drying winds. A sheltered position is beneficial, particularly during prolonged cold spells.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEvergreen leaves may develop bronze or reddish tones during winter. Some leaf damage can occur in exposed conditions, especially where frozen roots cannot replace moisture lost through the foliage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eContainer-grown plants benefit from additional root protection during severe frost. Move pots to a sheltered location when necessary and avoid allowing compost to remain saturated throughout winter.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRoutine Care and Pruning\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLittle pruning is normally required because 'Silver Sword' develops a naturally dense, rounded habit.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIf shaping is needed, prune lightly immediately after flowering, removing damaged shoots or shortening stems that extend beyond the desired outline.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid pruning late in summer or autumn, as this may remove developing flower buds for the following spring.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRemove faded flowers carefully if desired, taking care not to damage emerging growth beneath them.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApply a suitable ericaceous fertiliser in spring if needed, following the manufacturer's recommended application rate.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaintaining Variegated Foliage\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOccasionally, variegated shrubs can produce shoots with entirely green leaves. If these appear, remove them at their point of origin to preserve the characteristic creamy-white leaf margins.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid excessive feeding or heavily shaded conditions, which may encourage softer growth and reduce the visual impact of the variegation.\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\u003eWoodland-style gardens:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e The pale-edged foliage contrasts beautifully with ferns and other plants that enjoy filtered light and acidic soil.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eShaded border fronts:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Its relatively low, spreading habit provides evergreen coverage beneath taller shrubs.\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 Offers spring flowers and year-round foliage in ericaceous compost, with suitable watering and winter protection.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSmall gardens and courtyards:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Brings the character of a flowering rhododendron into a more manageable space.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAcid-loving planting schemes:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Combines well with pieris, heathers and compact rhododendrons where soil conditions are suitable.\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'Silver Sword' is especially valued for its variegated foliage, which distinguishes it from many other evergreen azaleas. Its flowers are typically rich pinkish-red to purplish-red rather than the pale pink or white sometimes associated with variegated varieties.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlthough compact, it is naturally a broad, spreading shrub rather than a permanently tight mound. Allow space for its eventual width and avoid heavy pruning into old wood.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe plant requires acidic growing conditions. Where garden soil is strongly alkaline, growing it in a suitable container with ericaceous compost is generally more practical than attempting to alter the pH of a large planting area.\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 'Silver Sword'\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 'Silver Sword'\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlant Group:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Evergreen 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 evergreen 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 8713469691147\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Pannebakker","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55250794512717,"sku":"8713469691147","price":7.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/8481\/2365\/files\/Rhododendron-AJ-Silver-Sword-P11.png?v=1793571907","url":"https:\/\/easygarden.ie\/products\/rhododendron-aj-silver-sword-p11","provider":"Easy Garden Centre","version":"1.0","type":"link"}