University of Florida

Rhododendron kaempferi

Common name(s): Kaempferi Azalea, Torch Azalea

Plant type: semi-evergreen medium shrub
Primary method of propagation: cutting
Alternate propagation method(s): seed, layering, grafting/budding

Propagation by Cuttings

Cutting type: stem tip
Time of year to take cuttings: Summer
Cutting maturity: softwood, semi-hardwood
Rooting hormone: IBA TALC 8000 PPM
Rooting environment: intermittent mist
Soil temperature for best rooting: 70-75 degrees F
Time to rooting: 8-12 weeks
Comment: Wound cuttings.

Propagation by Seed

Time of year to collect seed: Autumn
Time of year to sow seed: late Autumn
Seed treatment: no information
Preferred temperature for germination: 65-70 degrees F
Time required for germination: 2-4 weeks

Propagation by Layering

Type of Layering: air, tip
Time of year to layer: Summer
Wounding: remove a ring of bark

Propagation by Grafting

Time of year to graft: no information
Rootstock: R. ponticum
Comment: Cut suckers because they might take over the graft.