Create pleasing contrasts in your spring garden. An extremely hardy selection which is also extraordinary mildew resistant. Some varieties have strikingly-colored new leavesthat add dramatic beauty as the new leaves unfurl. Azaleas usually have 5 stamens per lobe, and have 5 lobes in a flower. At first glance, rhododendrons and azaleas seem to be nearly the same plant. 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. Lastly, Rhododendrons have more than 10 stamens or 2 per lobe. Blooming for up to 2 weeks, this late midseason to late season magnificent Azalea will set your landscape ablaze in late spring to early summer, as it comes into bloom. across (5 cm), with long stamens that elegantly project themselves beyond the flowers. Slightly fragrant, they blanket this midseason Knaphill hybrid in an exceptional floral display and contrast nicely with the handsome foliage of narrow green leaves which do not develop any appreciable fall color. Now let's explore the difference between azaleas and rhododendrons. When choosing rhododendron and azalea companion plants, look for those that can tolerate a pH between 4.5 and 6. The description of these plants Azaleas can be white, pink, red, lavender, purple, yellow, and orange while rhododendrons tend to be white, red, purple, orchid pink, and only sometimes yellow. Azalea vs. Rhododendron. Noteworthy Characteristics Rhododendron arborescens, commonly known as sweet azalea (fragrant flowers), smooth azalea (glabrous twigs and leaves) or tree azalea (occasional tree-like height), is an upright, loosely-branched deciduous shrub that typically matures to 8-12’ (occasionally to 20’) tall. has been written based on numerous outside resources. Top picture is courtesy of the Willow Garden. Azaleas usually have 5 stamens per lobe, and have 5 lobes in a flower. They are classified under a more encompassing genus, which happens to be the rhododendron. Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. This variety is noted for its tolerance for heat as well as cold. 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. 'Daviesii' belongs to the Ghent Hybrid Azaleas, which are hardy deciduous shrubs derived from Rhododendron luteum and various American species. Native Rhododendrons will certainly fit the bill. North American azaleas are commonly confused with azaleas of Asian origin, the evergreen azaleas. Check these Great Plant Combination Rhodi flowers tend to be bell-shaped. This is because all azaleas are rhododendrons, but not all rhododendrons are azaleas. Azaleas also have tubular or funnel shaped flowers. Vigoro Azalea, Camellia & Rhododendron Food (10-8-8), Scotts Evergreen, Flowering Tree & Shrub Fertilizer (11-7-7). Difference Between Azalea … 1. Both leaves and branches often appear in whorls. Regarded as one of the most gorgeous American shrubs, Rhododendron calendulaceum, also known as the Flame Azalea, is certainly one of the most spectacular native shrubs with its very showy flowers. In the fall, the leaves turn eye-catching shades of brilliant red, orange and yellow in a stunning display. Azaleas and rhododendrons are shrubs for all seasons. 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. Regarded as one of the most popular red rhododendron for severe climates. The genus Rhododendron includes the shrubs commonly called rhododendrons and azaleas. Equally attractive, the foliage of obovate, pale green leaves, flushed with pinkish bronze, is borne in handsome whorls at the branch ends. All azaleas are rhododendrons, but not all rhodies are azaleas. Extremely winter hardy, Rhododendron 'Girard's Fuchsia' is an outstanding, medium-sized semi-evergreen azalea producing masses of large, broadly funnel-shaped flowers, with slightly wavy edges, in the most vibrant fuchsia purple shades with deeper spotting in the throat and purplish-pink reverses. 'Hot Shot' (Rhododendron 'Girard's Hot Shot') You should reserve a place of honor for this azalea … The foliage of elliptic, light green leaves provides excellent fall color and is mildew resistant. Encore azaleas were developed by Robert C. Buddy Lee, a plantsman from Independence, Louisiana. This deciduous azalea produces an abundance of orange to vivid red, funnel-shaped flowers, up to 2 in. Borne in clusters of 4-7 flowers, the blooms are a great a nectar source for swallowtail butterflies and hummingbirds. 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. Azaleas are part of the Genus Rhododendron. Ideas with Azaleas - Rhododendrons, Want Garden Inspiration? Rhododendron foliage is long, thick and leathery, while that of azaleas is thinner, smaller and more pliable. 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". Cultural requirements for rhododendrons and azaleas are basically the same, but their structures are somewhat different. 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 … There is not a definitive way to tell the difference, however here are some characteristics to be able to tell the difference. It is also tolerant of heat and sun. 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. Grows in a wide and upright evergreen shrub. Greer’s Guidebook to Available Rhododendrons. Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device. Blooming in mid-spring, the blossoms appear before the foliage of shiny, dark green leaves emerge. Prized for its remarkably pretty flowers, multiple award-winning Rhododendron 'Scintillation' is a medium-sized, free-flowering, evergreen shrub which produces large rounded trusses of 11 to 15 soft pink flowers. Even winter brings its charm, when the well-balanced branching structure of this Azalea is fully revealed. The 2 groups can be distinguished on the basis of a few physical features. 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. Vigorous, Rhododendron 'Roseum Elegans' is a large, dense, broadleaf evergreen shrub that is valued for its large rounded clusters of rosy lavender flowers. Producing a blaze of color from early spring through the summer, and even into the fall, Azaleas and Rhododendrons are popular ornamental shrubs for gardens of all sizes. 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. At first, azalea was a separate genus in itself, and was totally independent from the rhododendron. To create additional collections, you must be a paid member of our site. The difference is minute, but it's one that has troubled some of the giants in the field of botany. Instead of having hair, most Rhododendrons are often scaly or have dots underneath the leaves. Compact and luminous, Rhododendron 'Goldkrone' is a lovely evergreen shrub producing eye-catching trusses of 16 to 18 light golden-yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers, up to 2.5 in. They contrast beautifully with the handsome foliage of small, narrow, glossy, olive green leaves, which take on reddish tones in the winter. About Rhododendrons & Azaleas The flowers are tubular-, funnel-, or bell-shaped—and often fragrant. 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. Opening from pink buds in late spring to early summer, the highly fragrant blossoms contrast beautifully with the handsome foliage of bluish-green leaves. Many rhododendron cultivars reveal various tolerances to other growing conditions, plus all azaleas are botanically rhododendrons, too. Rhodi flowers are more bell shaped. In fall, its foliage turns from bright green to glowing orange and red, igniting the garden with color. It may trouble you, too if you're the curious type because the wording can be confusing. An extremely hardy selection which never fails to provide a splendid display when massed in shrub borders. And not all small leaved rhodies are azaleas either. In general, the common name azalea is given to those shrubs with deciduous leaves and funnel-shaped flowers. The foliage of small, rounded, aromatic, olive green leaves turns bronze-green in fall. Once classified in separate plant groups, Azaleas and Rhododendrons are now placed together in the genus Rhododendron because of their many common characteristics. Instead of having hair, most Rhododendrons are often scaly or have dots underneath the leaves. Sometimes slightly scented, the blooms are larger than most other natives, up to 3 in. Igniting the garden with color, multiple award-winning Rhododendron 'Klondyke' is a medium-sized deciduous azalea producing eye-catching trusses of 8 to 15 glowing golden-yellow funnel-shaped flowers, delicately tinged red on the outside. 5th EditionGreer, Harold 1996. Flowering is so prodigious that they literally smother this midseason rhododendron in an exceptional floral display. Blooming in late spring, the blossoms of this midseason rhododendron cover the shrub in a brilliant color display. Gardeners and nurseries continue, however, to make the distinction, referring to each by their common name. wide (12 cm), is elegantly frilled and lightly spotted with brown in the throat. Create spectacular spring borders like this one. After a few days, the blossoms age to white before turning light purplish-pink, with their dorsal lobes slightly spotted red. These shrubs prefer climates with adequate rainfall and moist summers. The plants generally enjoy north & east exposures and don't take to much late afternoon sun. Each slightly fragrant bloom features inconspicuous golden green blotches that age to reddish-brown. Most Azaleas are deciduous, but true Rhododendrons are usually evergreen. Our offerings of pale pink-bright red will make a drab shady spot a major focal point of your yard. As the leaves emerge in mid to late spring, abundant clusters of 3 to 6 slightly scented, saucer-shaped pink flowers appear at the branch tips, adding elegance and beauty to this early midseason Azalea. Encore azaleas are a series of hybrids developed to be true multi-season bloomers-blooming in Spring, Summer, and Fall. There is no definitive way of distinguishing all azaleas from all rhododendrons but each has its own qualities and characteristics which are important to understand when choosing the right plant for your garden. Like most members of this family, azaleas and rhododendron thrive in acidic soils. However, they take some extra care in order to thrive in Kansas. It’s very common that people confuse azaleas and rhododendrons. 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. 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. They were the result of Mr. Lees planned cross hybridization between the a series of azaleas and Rhododendron oldhamii Fourth of July. Blooming in late spring to early summer, each cluster (or truss) can hold up to 20 attractive bell-shaped flowers with delicate reddish-brown dorsal spotting. This is because most azaleas are deciduous as in not meant to last … Complete, acid-forming organic fertilizers are also excellent choices for use on azaleas, and these are great to mix into the soil at planting, as well as for use with spring fertilization. A splendid border shrub that is native to the southern Blue Ridge Mountains. All azaleas are Rhododendrons but not all Rhododendrons are azaleas. Rhododendrons are almost always evergreen with only a few exceptions. Most Azaleas are deciduous, meaning they will lose their leaves in the fall. Ideal for small gardens, Rhododendron 'Mary Fleming' is an incredibly pretty evergreen shrub. Ideas with Rhododendrons - Azaleas, Extend the Blooming Season of your Azaleas and Rhododendrons, Choosing Perfect Azaleas and Rhododendrons, Beautiful Azaleas and Rhododendrons for the Pacific Northwest Region, Beautiful Azaleas and Rhododendrons for the Midwest, A Spectacular Spring Border Idea with Brilliant Tulips and Cotinus, An Exquisite Spring Border Idea with Sawara Cypress, Tulips and Muscari, A Romantic Spring Garden Idea with Peonies, Irises and Flower Bulbs, An Eye-Catching Winter Border Idea with Colorful Twigs and Cyclamens, A Spectacular Spring Border Idea with Scarlet Tulips and Cotinus, Azaleas - Rhododendrons, Rhododendrons - Azaleas. This also includes some famous garden-grown oriental varieties of Rhododendron. And the shape of their flowers differs as well, with azaleas having a flower shape more like a funnel, whereas rhododendron … Azaleas have appressed hairs which is hair parallel to the surface of the leaf. Many people get these two plants confused. Light and pH compatibility are the keys to finding plants suitable as companions for azaleas and rhododendron. Blooming in late spring, the attractive semi-double, trumpet-shaped flowers, 1.5 in. Rhododendrons or Azaleas have beautiful showy flowers. Rhododendrons have leaves in many shapes, colors, textures and sizes that add striking interest and beauty to the garden all year-round year. Their stamens elegantly protrude from the corolla and can be almost 3 times as long. North American azaleas are flowering shrubs in the genus Rhododendron, section Pentanthera, subsection Pentanthera, so named because they all have five stamens. We use cookies on this website, you can read about them here. Accept Azalea refers to the native species of the Rhododendron shrub that is deciduous. This romantic and delicate planting includes mostly plants... Low maintenance and fairly easy to replicate, this planting... Providing months of fragrance and color, while being... Use our interactive toolsto design your dream garden. The evergreen foliage of elliptic, glossy, thick and dark green leaves does not develop any appreciable fall color. Rhododendron keiskei, lutescens, decorum or williamsianum would be good examples. First, rhododendrons are larger than azaleas, both in height and shrubbery. They contrast beautifully with the handsome foliage of small leaves which emerge with bronze tones, mature to dark green before changing back to rich bronze during the winter months. wide (2.5 cm), tinged with soft apricot, appear at the branch tips, adding elegance and beauty to this early midseason Azalea. 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. In spring the flowers are showy; throughout the summer and fall the leaves add a pleasing, deep green color to the garden. Azaleas also have tubular or funnel shaped flowers. Sun and heat tolerant, this compact evergreen rhododendron is also extremely cold hardy and a very reliable performer. In winter some stand out with large evergreen leaves. Rhodi flowers are more bell shaped. Blooming in late spring, the blossoms of this midseason rhododendron cover the shrub in a brilliant color display. But azaleas and rhododendrons also are among the touchier plants to grow. To discern the difference between azalea and rhododendron, know these key differences. Opening from deep crimson buds in mid to late spring, each funnel-shaped, bright orange flower, up to 3 in. The two basic azalea types are deciduous azaleas and evergreen azaleas. 3rd Edition, Get the latest updates on new products and upcoming sales, The Difference Between Azaleas and Rhododendrons. Many color selections are available! But what is the difference between Azaleas and Rhododendrons? Opening from raspberry pink buds, each openly funnel-shaped white flower, up to 5 in. Most are in the United States, with one species found in Canada and one being found in Mexico. 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. Offering a ravishing display in mid to late spring, Rhododendron 'Nestucca' is a compact, evergreen shrub which produces incredibly beautiful domed-shaped clusters of 12 to 15 flowers. long (15 cm), dark green shiny leaves which turn yellowish to plum in the fall. Join now and start creating your dream garden! Azalea vs. Rhododendron. To use the website as intended please  Flowering is so prodigious that it literally smothers this midseason Rhododendron shrub in an exceptional floral display. The color of the flowers – azaleas have a much larger color palette than rhododendrons. Extremely winter hardy, Rhododendron 'Girard's Fuchsia' is an outstanding, medium-sized semi-evergreen azalea producing masses of large, broadly funnel-shaped flowers, with slightly wavy edges, in the most vibrant fuchsia purple shades with deeper spotting in the throat and purplish-pink reverses. Azaleas have appressed hairs which is hair parallel to the surface of the leaf. One of the first and most beautiful spring-flowering native azaleas to bloom, Rhododendron vaseyi (Pink-Shell Azalea) is a deciduous, irregular rounded shrub which features trusses of 4 to 8 delicate pink to white, flat-faced flowers on leafless stems, with some prominent spotting in their throat. Manual of Woody Landscape Plants. He noticed that it often produced blooms during the summer months, and into fall, as well as in spring, and this got him thinking – and working. Raised and introduced by A. Waterer, this late midseason Rhododendron is tolerant of heat and cold. are shrubby plants with showy flowers and a neat and tidy growing habit. Opening from pink flower buds in mid to late spring, each soft pink trumpet-shaped flower, 2.5 in. Rhododendrons are not difficult to grow in South Carolina where the soil and environment are suitable for their culture. Blooming in mid to late spring, each trumpet-shaped flower is delicately splashed with deep maroon blotches on their upper lobes. Others are clothed with fine hairwith hues ranging from silve… Its deciduous foliage of ovate to elliptic mid-green, softly hairy leaves, sometimes turns a muted yellow in fall. Need to dress up a shady spot? It never fails to provide a splendid display when massed in shrub borders. The flowers appear in large clusters or trusses at the end of the stems, which are far fewer and stouter than those of azaleas. An extremely hardy selection which is also extraordinarily sun and heat tolerant. The types of leaves – azalea leaves tend to be small, thin, soft, and elliptically shaped. 1998. The evergreen foliage takes on a mahogany-brown winter color. May 25, 2013. These are poisonous plants, so do not allow children to eat any plant parts on your azaleas or rhododendrons. Azaleas have 5 stamens per lobe and one lobe per flower, whereas rhododendrons have twice as many, or sometimes more stamens. Blooming in mid to late spring, the blossoms of this early midseason to midseason rhododendron contrast beautifully with the handsome foliage of coppery-red leaves that turn deep bronze in fall. height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. One of them was called Rhododendron olhamii (azaleas are part of the huge rhododendron plant group), and it came from Taiwan. Rhododendron is a huge genus (group of species) that has over a thousand species in the wild, and there are also thousands of varieties developed by horticulturalists. wide (7 cm), delicately freckled with reddish brown on their upper lobes. They contrast beautifully with the handsome foliage of small, narrow, glossy, olive green leaves… Rhododendrons vs. Azaleas. Deleting this collection CANNOT be undone. 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. The shiny green, lance-shaped aromatic leaves are disease resistant and turn lovely coppery-burgundy shades in winter. 2. Some deciduous azaleas add bright fall color before the leaves drop. 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 Lastly, Rhododendrons have more than 10 stamens or 2 per lobe. wide (7 cm), is elegantly frilled and flushed red orange with a gold tinge. wide (4 cm), are borne at the tips of the upright branches for a graceful floral display. A durable yet charming rhododendron with small trusses of bright lavender-purple blooms that contrast with the small, dark green leaves. Azaleas have funnel shaped flowers. As the leaves emerge in mid spring, abundant ball-shaped clusters of 8 funnel-shaped white flowers, up to 1 in. Instead of fuzz, the undersides of their leaves are dotted and scaled. However, updating the taxonomy, the Kingdom Plantae has rearranged its genus, and given the azalea a more subordinate classification system. Azaleas and Rhododendrons: What is the Difference? The thing to remember is all azaleas are rhododendrons but not all rhododendrons are Azaleas. Rhododendrons often get chosen for their exquisite flowers, but their handsome foliage should not be overlooked. long (6-7cm), is delicately splashed with golden freckles at the throat and emits a pleasant fragrance when inspected up close. Heat and cold tolerant, it has received more accolades in eastern North America than any other. Most Rhododendrons are evergreen (keep their leaves during winter), with the exceptions of R. mucronulatum and R. dauricum. For heat as well as cold, luminous spring flowers and a neat and tidy growing.... Conditions, plus all azaleas are commonly confused with azaleas - rhododendrons, but not rhododendrons... Has troubled some of the flowers – azaleas have a much larger color than. Planned cross hybridization between the a series of hybrids developed to be true multi-season bloomers-blooming in,. 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