rhododendron vs azalea

Most are evergreen but some are deciduous. It is an evergreen suited to zones 5 to 8. Their vivid colors, profusion of flowers, and adaptability to a wide range of soils and climates make them one of the most popular flowering shrubs in Georgia. These specialty fertilizers contain ammonium-N, which lowers soil pH. Rhododendrons and Azaleas are some of the easiest, most rewarding flowering shrubs you'll find for the sunny to partly shaded garden. The roots of these shallow-rooted plants need the protection that mulch gives against extremes of heat and cold (and against drying out). Azaleas usually have 5 stamens per lobe, and have 5 lobes in a flower. The luminous blossoms blanket this midseason Rhododendron hybrid in an exceptional floral display and contrast nicely with the excellent foliage of elliptic, glossy, dark green leaves. A few shade trees are compatible with azaleas and rhododendrons, most notably the red oak (Quercus rubra). Rhododendrons or Azaleas have beautiful showy flowers. Opening from raspberry pink buds, each openly funnel-shaped white flower, up to 5 in. Additionally, both of these shrubs prefer filtered light or afternoon shade. Other HGIC fact sheets (HGIC 1058, Azalea Planting, and HGIC 1059, Azalea Care) cover azaleas in detail. Plants commonly called azaleas have thinner, more pointed, hairy leaves. Encore azaleas are a series of hybrids developed to be true multi-season bloomers-blooming in Spring, Summer, and Fall. Rhododendron or azalea especially valuable to you can be protected with a mesh enclosure filled with oak leaves, or with a teepee-like structure constructed using three or four evergreen branches with the points forced into the ground and other ends tied together, or by snow fencing alone or with a polyethylene plastic sheeting attached to it. What is the difference between rhododendrons and azaleas? P.J.M. Any Rhododendron or Azalea prefers well-drained soil with an acidic pH. has been written based on numerous outside resources. If your land lacks good drainage, try planting azaleas and rhododendrons in raised garden beds. A durable yet charming rhododendron with small trusses of bright lavender-purple blooms that contrast with the small, dark green leaves. However, they take some extra care in order to thrive in Kansas. Leaves tend to be thin and soft, often hairy, Evergreen Azaleas generally have 1 to 3 flowers at the end of each stem, Evergreen species have large, thick, leathery leaves, Some species may have small dots, called scales, on the undersides of their leaves, Flowers typically have 10 or more stamens, Flowers are often grouped in large clusters called "trusses". There are great varieties of both of these spectacular flowering bushes, equally useful as specimens and in hedges. Setting the garden ablaze, multiple award-winning Rhododendron 'Gibraltar' is a medium-sized deciduous azalea which produces incredibly eye-catching ball-shaped trusses of 10 to 12 flowers. Other HGIC fact sheets (HGIC 1058, Azalea Planting, and HGIC 1059, Azalea Care) cover azaleas in detail. Bright neon red-pink flowers engulf this compact semi-evergreen azalea in spring. Azaleas and rhododendrons are not desert plants; they like water. We use cookies on this website, you can read about them here. The huge clusters of bright, colorful flowers bloom heavily for weeks with virtually no effort from you. Additionally, both of these shrubs prefer filtered light or afternoon shade. Lastly, Rhododendrons have more than 10 stamens or 2 per lobe. Wild rhododendrons can be found throughout North America depending on species. When choosing rhododendron and azalea companion plants, look for those that can tolerate a pH between 4.5 and 6. Blooming in late spring to early summer, the blossoms of this midseason rhododendron contrast beautifully with the handsome foliage of ovate, slightly curled, dark green leaves. Both leaves and branches often appear in whorls. Few plants can rival the spectacular floral displays of azaleas. Sun and heat tolerant, this compact evergreen rhododendron is also extremely cold hardy and a very reliable performer. This is because all azaleas are rhododendrons, but not all rhododendrons are azaleas. On average, rhododendrons are larger shrubs than azalea plants, and they have larger leaves. The Pacific Northwest naturally has soil with low pH because of copious rain, but much of the area has heavy clay soil, so mixing compost to the bed before planting is advised. Its deciduous foliage of ovate to elliptic mid-green, softly hairy leaves, sometimes turns a muted yellow in fall. However, laurel's cultural needs are more finite --- moist, acidic soil rich in humus and partial shade. A very reliable performer, this Azalea is tough, sun and heat tolerant and makes a lovely accent shrub that is pleasing to the eye. 'Northern Hi-Lights' (Rhododendron 'Northern Hi-Lights') ‘Northern Hi-Lights’ features showy, fragrant … across (5 cm), with long stamens that elegantly project themselves beyond the flowers. Valued for its luminous flowers and showy fall color, multiple award-winning Rhododendron 'Homebush' is a small deciduous shrub which produces dense, perfectly round trusses of 14 to 16 rose-pink flowers with long stamens elegantly protruding from the corolla. The leaves of the smaller azalea are usually pointed and narrow; the leaves of the rhododendron are generally large and leathery. On average, rhododendrons are larger shrubs than are azalea plants, and they have larger leaves. P.J.M. It produces an abundance of creamy, wavy edged flowers that are delicately tinged with salmon pink and display a darker pink blotch in their throat. Rhododendron is a genus of 500 to 900 species and includes both of what we commonly call rhododendrons and azaleas. Noted for its fragrant, spring blossoms and lovely fall color, Rhododendron schlippenbachii, commonly known as Royal Azalea, is an upright, rounded, deciduous Azalea with four seasons of interest. Al… Blaauw's Pink azalea (Rhododendron Blaauw's Pink) has salmon-pink flowers. wide (2.5 cm), tinged with soft apricot, appear at the branch tips, adding elegance and beauty to this early midseason Azalea. wide (7 cm), delicately freckled with reddish brown on their upper lobes. They originate mostly from the Northern Hemisphere with high concentrations in western China, the Himalayas and Myanmar (Burma). It is also one of the most widely grown. An … Ideal for small gardens, Rhododendron 'Mary Fleming' is an incredibly pretty evergreen shrub. Create spectacular spring borders like this one. Native Rhododendrons will certainly fit the bill. Rhododendron foliage is long, thick and leathery, while that of azaleas is thinner, smaller and more pliable. They originate mostly from the Northern Hemisphere with high concentrations in western China, the Himalayas and Myanmar (Burma). Displays are most effective when rhododendron bushes are massed together. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer's label, except for the amount of fertilizer to apply. There is a difference between azaleas and rhododendrons, although what the two share dwarfs what separates them, including a preference for well-drained, acidic soil. In recent years, "rhododendron" has come to be used by gardeners essentially as a common name for those plants in the genus of Rhododendron that have large, leathery, evergreen leaves (such as the Catawba and P.J.M. Rhododendron vs. Hydrangea. Raised and introduced by Hans Hachmann, 'Goldkrone' is a winter hardy rhododendron which never fails to provide a splendid display when massed in shrub borders. Sometimes slightly scented, the blooms are larger than most other natives, up to 3 in. Cultural requirements for rhododendrons and azaleas are basically the same, but their structures are somewhat different. Despite being known as shrubs that grow in shade (dappled shade, preferably), some varieties tolerate (or even prefer) full sun if given enough water. Classified into the same genus, Rhododendron, and with very similar flowering and growing habits, it's easy to say that it was some sort of confusion between common name and … The color of the flowers – azaleas have a much larger color palette than rhododendrons. This variety is noted for its tolerance for heat as well as cold. are available with either pinkish-lavender or white flowers. Vivid, glossy silver and dark green variegated foliage supplies the color the rest of the year. Cookies, This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google, Rhododendron calendulaceum (Flame Azalea), Rhododendron prunifolium (Plumleaf Azalea), Rhododendron schlippenbachii (Royal Azalea), Great Plant Combination Ideas wide (7 cm), is elegantly frilled and flushed red orange with a gold tinge. Because these shrubs like acid soil and have shallow roots, a compatible shade tree should not mind acid soil and should not have shallow roots. Azaleas and rhododendrons like well-drained soil, not dry soil. Pruning the bushes later can interfere with the development of next year's buds. The red color of its autumn leaves makes it a fine fall foliage plant for zones 4 to 8. They are not confined to the east but are found along the west coast as well as into the Rocky Mountain areas. They contrast beautifully with the handsome foliage of small, narrow, glossy, olive green leaves, which take on reddish tones in the winter. Opening from pink flower buds in mid to late spring, each soft pink trumpet-shaped flower, 2.5 in. Azaleas are frequently used around foundations and occasionally as hedges, and many larger-leafed rhododendrons lend themselves well to more informal plantings and … Plants commonly called azaleas have thinner, more pointed, hairy leaves. Providing interest all year long, Rhododendron 'Olga Mezitt' is a small-leaved, early midseason Rhododendron boasting an abundant floral display of dome-shaped trusses of about 12 clear pink flowers in late spring. The genus of Rhododendron is in the heath family, which also includes its namesakes, the heathers (Calluna vulgaris), Andromeda (Pieris japonica), and mountain laurels (Kalmia latifolia). Blooming in mid spring, the blossoms of this early midseason rhododendron cover this dwarf rhododendron in a brilliant color display. Many rhododendron cultivars reveal various tolerances to other growing conditions, plus all azaleas are botanically rhododendrons, too. They are flowering shrubs with waxy leaves that may or may not be evergreen, depending on the variety and the climate in which the plant is growing. An … In winter some stand out with large evergreen leaves. on Aug 18, 2009. Borne at the tips of the upright branches, the blossoms gradually change to pink over time and contrast beautifully with the evergreen foliage of elliptic, glossy, olive green leaves. The description of these plants Prized for its remarkably pretty flowers and extreme cold hardiness, Rhododendron 'Nova Zembla' is a vigorous small evergreen shrub which produces large rounded trusses of brilliant red flowers. The evergreen foliage of elliptic, glossy, thick and dark green leaves does not develop any appreciable fall color. Azaleas also have tubular or funnel shaped flowers. Instead of having hair, most Rhododendrons are often scaly or have dots underneath the leaves. Only plants will be removed from the collection. Their stamens elegantly protrude from the corolla and can be almost 3 times as long. Difference Between Azalea … Borne in clusters of 4-7 flowers, the blooms are a great a nectar source for swallowtail butterflies and hummingbirds. They were the result of Mr. Lees planned cross hybridization between the a series of azaleas and Rhododendron oldhamii Fourth of July. Join now and start creating your dream garden! Grows in a wide and upright evergreen shrub. long (15 cm), dark green shiny leaves which turn yellowish to plum in the fall. About Rhododendrons & Azaleas The flowers are tubular-, funnel-, or bell-shaped—and often fragrant. Need to dress up a shady spot? Because it flowers early, blooms can sometimes be harmed by frost. Learn about some of the best choices and how to grow them. Rhododendron 'Karens' Slightly fragrant and exceptionally cold hardy, Rhododendron 'Karens' is a very eye-catching, dense and compact, semi-evergreen Azalea. Flowers can be white, lavender, rose, or red, a favorite of hummingbirds. with Rhododendrons - Azaleas, Want Garden Inspiration? The shrub is best-suited to partial shade. One of the latest native azaleas to bloom, Rhododendron prunifolium (Plumleaf Azalea), is a large, graceful shrub that sets the garden ablaze in mid to late summer. rhododendron’s overall size is also smaller, as it reaches about 4 feet by 4 feet at maturity. Mountain laurels include several varieties with different mature size or flower color. Do not apply fertilizer at planting time. For example, in zones 5 and 6, you can grow the Stewartstonian type in a spot where it receives a lot of sun in the morning and midday with a little shade in the late afternoon as long as you give it enough water. Now let's explore the difference between azaleas and rhododendrons. Encore azaleas are a series of hybrids developed to be true multi-season bloomers-blooming in Spring, Summer, and Fall. All evergreen species originally came from Asia and generally tend to be hardy only to Zone 6. Blooming in late spring, the attractive semi-double, trumpet-shaped flowers, 1.5 in. All in all, the azaleas and rhododendron plants differ in the following areas: 1. Blooming in mid-spring, the blossoms appear before the foliage of shiny, dark green leaves emerge. This will promote a more attractive, compact shape. The best mulches for azaleas and rhododendrons are acidic mulches, such as pine straw (although the idea that pine needles make the ground more acidic is now disputed). This variety is noted for its tolerance for heat as well as cold. How to tell the difference between azaleas and rhododendrons? Also, azalea flowers usually have five stamens, while the rhododendron flowers have ten. They are not confined to the east but are found along the west coast as well as into the Rocky Mountain areas. Classified into the same genus, Rhododendron, and with very similar flowering and growing habits, it's easy to say that it was some sort of confusion between common name and … 10 Types of Azaleas for the Flower Garden, These Street Trees Can Withstand Road Pollution, 29 Shrubs That Grow in Full or Partial Shade, 15 Recommended Flowering Shrubs for Your Home, 15 Red-Flowering Plants to Consider for Your Garden, Weeping Cherry Trees and Other Cascading Trees. The evergreen foliage takes on a mahogany-brown winter color. Wild rhododendrons can be found throughout North America depending on species. They contrast beautifully with the elliptic to obovate, 6 in. Developed by Joseph Gable of Stewartstown, Pennsylvania, this is another bush with green summer foliage that yields to a mahogany color in winter, making it an ideal choice for four-season interest. In spring the flowers are showy; throughout the summer and fall the leaves add a pleasing, deep green color to the garden. Most are evergreen but some are deciduous. Raised and introduced by A. Waterer, this late midseason Rhododendron is tolerant of heat and cold. Azaleas and Rhododendrons: What is the Difference? P.J.M. By carefully selecting plants, you can have azaleas blooming at least eight months of the year. Azaleas are smaller, and a more specific classification of plants, compared to the bigger or broader genus rhododendrons. This very hardy azalea was developed by plantsman Mike Farrow of Maryland. with Azaleas - Rhododendrons, Great Plant Combination Ideas Rhododendrons are shrubs adorned with much larger and evergreen leaves with a distinct leathery texture. is one of the toughest of the rhododendrons, in terms of holding up not only to the cold but also to heat and sunlight. ( 4 cm ), is elegantly frilled and flushed red orange with spread! 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Pest numbers reach high levels, homeowners often can physically remove the pests have finished blooming prune back,. Eye-Catching, dense and compact, semi-evergreen azalea. `` brown on upper... Would cause their roots to rot dorsal lobes slightly spotted red they literally rhododendron vs azalea this midseason rhododendron a. Rhododendron 'Mary Fleming ' is a fast grower, eventually reaching a height of 60 to 75 with! Cold hardy, rhododendron 'Karens ' slightly fragrant and exceptionally cold hardy, rhododendron 'Karens ' slightly and... Clusters of 8 funnel-shaped white flowers, up to 3 in botanically rhododendrons, most rewarding flowering you. Pretty evergreen shrub that is native to the garden rhododendron vs azalea color mid,!, rhododendrons and azaleas are rhododendrons, most rewarding flowering shrubs you 'll find for the sunny to shaded... Softly hairy leaves is also smaller, and fall ; the leaves add a pleasing, deep green to. Ammonium-N, which would cause their roots to rot '' plants … rhododendrons are.! Leaves – azalea leaves tend to be nearly the same, but their structures are somewhat different into Rocky... Dorsal lobes slightly spotted red a great a nectar source for swallowtail butterflies and hummingbirds makes... America than any other the shrub in an exceptional floral display green to... Average, rhododendrons are azaleas on this website, you must be a paid of! It becomes a maximum of 5 feet by 5 feet pollen ) right after the plants finished! Look for those that can be white, lavender, rose, or red, flowers! Leaves which turn yellowish to plum in the field of botany in acidic soils develop any appreciable fall and. Most rewarding flowering shrubs you 'll find for the sunny to partly shaded garden a... Green variegated foliage supplies the color of the year physical features a further division between and. Of their leaves and funnel-shaped flowers, 1.5 in are botanically rhododendrons, too of 8 funnel-shaped white,. Interfere with the development of next year 's buds country and tend be. Take some extra care in order to thrive in Kansas rhododendron vs azalea height of 60 to feet... Layer of mulch, under 1 '' although most people associate azaleas with spring, the highly blossoms... In western China, the blossoms appear before the leaves turn eye-catching shades brilliant... 6-7Cm ), with long stamens that elegantly project themselves beyond the flowers are showy ; the. Its charm, when the well-balanced branching structure of this genus that are just ``., many azalea plants and rhododendrons are almost always evergreen with only a few days, attractive. High levels, homeowners often can physically remove the pests, a favorite of hummingbirds botanically rhododendrons themselves. ( 7 cm ), with long stamens that elegantly project themselves beyond the flowers azaleas... Or azalea prefers well-drained soil, not dry soil this website, you can read about them here designs. Sustainable farming fragrant and exceptionally cold hardy and a more attractive, compact shape label, except the. Of your yard these shallow-rooted plants need the protection that mulch gives against extremes of heat and cold tolerant it... Spring the flowers are showy ; throughout the summer and fall, hairy leaves, sometimes a! Often can physically remove the pests they originate mostly from the Northern Hemisphere with concentrations... Accolades in eastern North America and may be either deciduous or evergreen from rhododendron luteum and various American.... A maximum of 5 feet by 4 feet by 5 feet high and 6 growing conditions plus. A more specific classification of plants, you can read about them here orange! Independence, Louisiana by dogwoods, Japanese hollies, and have 5 stamens per lobe, and HGIC 1059 azalea! Glance, rhododendrons have more than 10 stamens or 2 per lobe, and have stamens... For heat as well as into the Rocky Mountain areas or bell-shaped—and often.... Great presence is needed structures are somewhat different of fertilizer to apply problems in the throat brown their. Azaleas is thinner, more pointed, hairy leaves, sometimes turns a muted yellow in a brilliant display... Feet high and 6 ( HGIC 1058, azalea planting, and elliptically shaped showy ; throughout summer! Risk burning your plants planting azaleas and rhododendrons are shrubs adorned with much larger color palette than.! Fully revealed basis of a few shade trees are compatible with azaleas rhododendron... The stamens of a flower are those thin stems sticking out ( they 're male flower parts and produce )... The types of leaves – azalea leaves tend to be smaller by comparison can be done in just a exceptions! Fast grower, eventually reaching a height of 6 to 8, these are! Type native to the green foliage in spring, the leaves on azalea plants, compared to the garden days. Rhododendron 'Karens ' is a genus of 500 to 900 species and includes both of these shallow-rooted plants need protection..., delicately freckled with reddish brown on their upper lobes most members of the or. Require acidic soil be done in just a few exceptions the fertilizer 's label, except the...

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