Japanese name: キリシマツツジ（霧島躑躅） Scientific name:Rhododendron × obtusum
[Overview]
An evergreen shrub.
The leaves are simple and alternate, elliptic and about 2 cm long, with hairs on the margin.
Some turn red in autumn to winter.
The branch tips bear flowers in groups of 2–3, with flower color from crimson to white and 5 stamens.
There are many cultivars, including double-flowered ones.
[History]
A horticultural variety produced in Satsuma during the Edo period from azaleas growing wild in the mountains of Kirishima, Kagoshima.
It was later brought to Edo, where it became popular.
[Cultivation]
Propagate by cuttings.
It prefers sunny, well-drained, acidic soil.
Cultivation is easy.
