Remarkably floriferous , with their beautiful , attractive evergreen or deciduous foliage , the azaleas are the stars of shade gardens .
Beautiful in spring as in summertime , gloaming , and wintertime , these indispensable Zen - loving blooming bush of the heathland folk assure a very flowery bounce and early summertime each year , with their cornucopia of large , frail flowers sometimes give forth a sweet sweetness .
Native to cragged area of Europe , Asia , and North America , Azaleas ( Azalea syn . Rhododendron ) are little to medium - sized evergreen , semi - evergreen , or deciduous shrubs that belong to the genus Rhododendron of the vastEricaceaefamily . There are more than 50 baseless coinage , and nearly 8000 salmagundi of Azaleas come into cosmos due to hybridization .
Native to Asian state such as Japan , Evergreen azalea are mainly from the Tsutsusi subgenus , and deciduous or aboriginal azaleas are from the Pentanthera subgenus .
In April - May , azaleas produce a profusion of modest to large corymbs composed of small flower of various color , ranging from wan pink to whiten , from carmine red to white-livered or lavender , include all shades of pink .
various as hell , azaleas fit into any garden design , from the smallest to the largest , whether isolated or in container on a shaded garden .
Tall varieties are perfect for planting in bed with perennial , on the woodland edges , in Nipponese gardens , in a flowering hedging , or the company of other flowering shrubs , while modest dimensions of certain dwarf varieties will make them ideal for growing in terrace containers and can also find their blank space in a shady rock garden , in a flower bed , or on edge .
Read on to learn about the main types and best varieties of garden azaleas and their characteristics to help oneself you come upon your pet !
What Is Difference Between Rhododendrons And Azaleas
Before record this list , you should understand the family relationship between azalea and rhododendrons .
In this elbow grease , geometry offers a neat analogy . Azaleas and rhododendron are like squares and rectangles . Recall from unproblematic school that all squares are rectangle , but not all rectangle are squares . Similarly , all azaleas are rhododendrons , but not all rhododendron are azaleas .
In botanical terms , Rhododendron is a genus containing countless shrubs . All plants , commonly called rhododendrons or azaleas , are a part of this genus .
With this being the case , how can you tell the difference between the two shrub ?
Here are three of the most prevailing differentiation .
point out these are not definitive statements . In truth , there are exceptions to all three of these rules . Even for a well - versed botanist , drawing a definitive line of merchandise between rhododendrons and azalea is a challenge .
No dwelling gardener can ask to sleep together all forms of either shrub . But that does not foreclose you from forming your own preference for sure azalea species .
Let ’s go along with some azalea verbal description so you may develop your own sentiment .
15 Of The Best Azalea Varieties For Your Garden
There are over 8,000 different types of azalea plant life have been register . This bring home the bacon a wide multifariousness of plant habits , sizes , colour , and flush multiplication for every landscape need or personal preference .
To that point , the right-down book of azalea varieties can be overpowering . When selecting one type for your thou , it is hard to know where to start . As you might look , there are far more azaleas than can be cut through in a exclusive Charles William Post .
But this leaning will help you make sense of the master type and change . The azaleas list here cover a all-embracing range of colour as well as native , intercrossed , evergreen , and deciduous species .
Here are 15 of the honest azalea varieties to grow in your garden .
Native Deciduous Azaleas
The intercrossed azalea are so prominent in greenhouse that many the great unwashed drop to tell apart the native azalea varieties .
Numerous azaleas grow freely in the wild around the world . Considering that all hybrid can retrace their parentage to a aboriginal metal money , it makes good sense to begin this list with those native coinage .
I think you will find that these hazardous azaleas are attractive in their own right hand , though neglected . What is most impressive is that the forms and flowers of the beautiful azalea have come about without human treatment .
But more important than esthetics , these azaleas play a critical role in their several ecosystem . Whether framing the bank of a river or standing at the crest of a slew acme , these azaleas are great supporters of wildlife . point out that none of them are lacking in coloring either .
1: Rhododendron arborescens (sweet azalea)
Native to the eastern United States , scented azalea can grow anywhere from high mountain peaks to the boundary of low - lying stream .
It is a detectable feature throughout the Appalachian mountain range . Since this shrub is stout to zone 4 , it is a smashing option for azalea enthusiasts in colder climates . Sweet azalea ’s fragrant flowers are the aspiration for its name . They persist from mid - outpouring into summer and are primarily white .
While these flowers are not the showiest of the azaleas on this inclination , they do have a subtle two - toned coloration . They are almost exclusively white , with one exception . The pistol of each flower is promising scarlet . This shrub has a loose form and a preference for damp land .
As a deciduous shrub , the leaf of sweet azalea turning red in autumn before they fall . In place of the uncouth name listed here , hoi polloi sometimes refer to this flora as smooth azalea or tree azalea due to its height .
2: Rhododendron atlanticum (coast azalea)
Coast azalea also features fragrant flowers of a two - toned nature . These flowers are also primarily white but show noticeable pink hue as well .
But coast azalea has leaves that also tot up to the colour display . These leaves are green with a sound blue tint , and the unique color of the leave creates an appropriate contrast to the bloom .
Coast azalea grows to about 5 ’ in meridian but does not usually become that tall . It spread through suckering and can tolerate more sun than other azalea variety . However , it is very of import to keep the solution moist .
If the roots can not remain moist , then lineal sunlight can sear the leaves . If you are planting this specie in your yard , make certain you do a in effect job of mulching . Doing so will help the industrial plant keep on the moisture it needs . When that happens , you could expect a healthy plant life showing contrasting colouration in mid - spring .
3: Rhododendron calendulaceum (flame azalea)
Flame azalea is aboriginal to the southeasterly portion of the United States . Many azalea hybrids exact this species as their parent . Flame azalea ’s flush are non - fragrant and shaped like funnels .
When in bloom , they can motley in color from xanthous to orange to bolshy . The foliage of the flame azalea are about 1 - 3 ” in length and take on a yellowish colouring in the fall .
This azalea grows wider than it is tall and does not tolerate extreme warmth . Even though it is native to the south where temperature are typically warmer than much of the United States , Flame azalea ca n’t survive in regions hotter than zone 7 . These shrubs also choose not to have their roots baby-sit in water .
One possible remediation for this is to consider build a raise bottom where your flame azalea can boom in ideal soil conditions . Other than that , make indisputable to implant this shrub in a filtered shade similar to the timber slopes it calls home .
4: Rhododendron schlippenbachii (royal azalea)
majestic azalea is native to East Asia in countries such as Japan , Korea , and China . It is another selection for both cold and warm climates since it can survive in zona 4 - 7 .
It is small in stature , reaching about 3 ’ at maturity date . Its mannequin is labialize , with spread similar to its height .
The fragrant flowers of royal azalea bloom in sync with the leave of absence ’s growth in the bound . The flush are snowy with pink accents and can be over 3 ” across .
The leaves are also rather large compare to other azalea . Their length is about 2 - 5 ” and they can release either yellow or red in the fall .
As with many plant native to Asia , the species name is actually an court to a European gentleman’s gentleman .
Historical record indicate that a Russian named Alexander von Schlippenback was the first to bring the plant back to Europe . As such , the species name is a Latinized version of his surname .
5: Rhododendron vaseyi (pink-shell azalea)
Pink - shell azalea is unique among the azaleas for a few reason . Most of these relate to its flowers . For example , this azalea blooms in April before the foliage start to maturate in .
The result is an incredible surge of lite pink clinging to otherwise unfinished branches . But the specialization does not end there .
Unlike other azaleas , pink - shield azalea does not have a vacuum tube as a part of its blossom anatomy . This modify the appearance of the heyday petals .
Rather than have a clear physical connection , the petals of pink - case azalea are almost entirely separate from one another .
The law of similarity of azaleas can make identification challenge . This small particular can help in identifying pink - shell azalea amongst all its relative .
This azalea can also grow to be almost 15 ’ improbable . While it is large for an azalea , the branches stay thin . Their delicate nature produces an open and irregular form with limited tightness even after the leaf grow in .
When establish pinkish - case azalea , recollect that it prefer moist soil to the point where it is illiberal of drought - like consideration .
6: Rhododendron Viscosum (Swamp Azalea)
swampland azalea lives in a big region covering most of the easterly United States . The range is so broad that this bush grows in both Maine and Florida . It is a rounded bush that can tolerate standing water from time to time .
This is patronize by the fact that swampland azalea grows by nature in low lying areas where water take in .
The upside of this trait is that swamp azalea is much more resistive to root rot compare to other azalea varieties .
Swamp azalea has bloom that are whitened , fragrant , and tube-shaped . They blossom by and by than most native azaleas in May and can remain on the plant into mid - summer .
The leaves are a glossy unripened color in the growing time of year . In fall they can transmute into one of a few colors . Among these colour options are orange and violet .
7: Rhododendron Cumberlandense (Cumberland Azalea)
People often confuse Cumberland azalea with flame azalea . This is because they can live in a similar range and have similar blossom .
So , let ’s point out a few difference . Cumberland azalea and flame azalea both have orange flowers .
However , the Cumberland azalea ’s flowers are unremarkably smaller . They also bloom later in the year than flame azalea and have less colour variation .
Cumberland azalea is key as such because it hails from the Cumberland realm in Kentucky .
But it can grow anywhere from Georgia to North Carolina . disregardless of which land it lives in , Cumberland azalea tend to raise on discover slope and hatful tops .
In residential setting , consider plant this mid - sized shrub as a specimen . With the good amount of shade and dirt wet , Cumberland azalea will add an orange accent to your garden in summertime .
Hybrid Azaleas
The massive amount of azalea variety termination from frequent cross over the centuries .
This has occurred to such an immense degree that there are thick books dedicated to azaleas alone . But even these large catalogs flush it to pass over all of the azaleas in existence .
Horticulturalists recognize many disjoined azalea hybridization groups . And each group contains many kind . ENCORE is one of the most renowned azalea hybridization groups . Robert E. “ Buddy ” Lee created this group to feature a specific equipment characteristic .
A normal azalea blooms once in the natural spring . An ENCORE azalea has the potential to blossom in spring , then bloom again later in the season . This facial expression of ENCORE azalea has made them readily available in nurseries .
Because of the pregnant encroachment of ENCORE azalea , the first few hybrid interpretation lean here are from that grouping .
But these azalea are lean here because they represent multiple colors and characteristic .
8: Rhododendron ‘Conlee’ AUTUMN AMETHYST (autumn amethyst encore azalea)
Unlike many of the azaleas , both native and intercrossed , autumn amethyst is an evergreen shrub . It also has foliage that is much more dense than other azaleas .
In winter , this leafage can twist dark-brown and pass away off when experiencing extreme temperatures . Keep in judgment that this azalea can be somewhat less dusty liberal than others which are intrepid in zone 4 .
Autumn amethyst developed from another azalea have sex as Rhododendron ‘ Karen ’ and has thick purple blossom . These efflorescence are modest , about 2 ” , but they cover the bulk of the plant in April and May .
They also attract many pollinator such as bees , butterfly stroke , and hummingbird . In my experience , their coloring material combine well with molding forsythia . The bold demarcation of purpleness and yellow is a robust sign of spring .
9: Rhododendron ‘Robles’ AUTUMN LILAC (autumn lilac encore azalea)
Another popular option from the ENCORE group is autumn lilac . equate to the flowers of fall amethyst , autumn lilac ’s flowers have a lighter colour .
As the name suggests , they are similar in hue to the flowers of the common lilac . The bloom clip is standardized to autumn amethyst with flower come out in April and remaining through May .
Autumn lilac is a proficient option for those in warm regions who want an azalea on the diminished side . This species survives in zone 7 - 9 and grow to be 2 - 3 ’ in both height and gap .
Caring for fall lilac is also simple as it has growing requirements common among all azaleas .
10: Rhododendron ‘Roblez’ AUTUMN FIRE (autumn fire encore azalea)
Until now , those with a taste for deep carmine flowers may have believed that azaleas have nothing to declare oneself them . This is far from the case . The ENCORE series as a few reddish anthesis varieties . Among the best options is the autumn fire azalea .
This azalea not only has a dark red flower , but that flower also hang in longer than any other .
After blossom in spring , the autumn fire flower remains on the works all the way into fall . It is also hardy across a few of the warm hardiness zones .
These two feature have kept fall fervency on the market for years . As a smaller bush , it may be helpful to set them in groups . This will create a larger viewing of red petal through the growing season .
11: Rhododendron ‘Robleg’ AUTUMN ANGEL (autumn angel encore azalea)
Autumn holy person is a more recent addition to the ENCORE group . like to fall fire , autumn saint has flowers that remain throughout the majority of the growing time of year .
But there is a stark visual difference between the two assortment . Where fall firing is a substantial red coloring material , autumn holy man is a pure white .
These white flowers are set against dark evergreen foliage . This foliage observe autumn angel attractive in wintertime , and produce a juxtaposition for the rest of the season .
For more contrast , consider planting autumn backer and fall fire together . The vibrance of the red and white flower will be trusted to catch your heart for month on end .
12: Rhododendron indicum ‘Formosa’ (Formosa azalea)
Formosa azalea originates in India . However , today it is one of the most popular azaleas in the American south .
This popularity is due to a number of benefits that Formosa azalea possesses . The most immediate benefit is optic .
When in flower , the Formosa azalea is wholly pink . This is possibly the most profuse and consistent bloom of the azaleas .
The Formosa azalea is on the tumid size . At matureness , it can reach out 10 ’ in height and spread . If you are planting one of these shrubs in your M , check that you give it enough outer space . It assist that the Formosa azalea responds well to pruning .
So , in the case that it does outgrow its support country , you should be able to swerve it back without issue .
13: Rhododendron ‘Golden Lights’ (golden lights azalea)
Golden lighter azalea is another deciduous azalea . Like the pinkish - shell azalea , this bush blossom before the leaf get in .
Even though the blossom are little , they are so numerous that this shrub truly stands out in the springtime landscape .
Add the fact that the flowers are a hopeful orange coloring , and it is hard to escape this works .
Golden luminance azalea developed in Minnesota as a part of the Northern Lights azalea group . This specific species is very cold stout .
It can last in geographical zone 3 and survive temperatures around -40 degrees Fahrenheit . In this context , gilt light can tot some much - need colouring to the landscape .
14: Rhododendron ‘Girard’s Rose’ (Girard’s rose evergreen azalea)
Girard ’s resurrect is a small vertical evergreen plant azalea variety that rarely get hold of 3 ’ in height . Like many intercrossed azaleas , this bush is multi - stemmed . Over time , the bed covering will eventually match the height .
This azalea is one of many that the Girard Nursery of Ohio has created . It feature abundant flowers that amass in pink bunch in spring .
The leaves are evergreen , but they do show a shift in color . In the summer they are a dark green , typical of many azalea . In winter they can move around red and orange as the temperature drop .
15: Rhododendron x ‘Stonewall Jackson’ (Stonewall Jackson azalea)
Stonewall Jackson Azalea is part of what is known as the Confederate Series of azaleas . Dodd & Dodd Nursery developed these hybrids by crossing Rhododendron austrinum and Rhododendron x ‘ Hotspur Yellow ’ .
Their end was to create an azalea that could boom in the hot southern climate . Many of these azalea varieties are named for prominent leadership of the confederate army .
Stonewall Jackson azalea is a deciduous motley . It has large funnel - shaped blossom . The color of these blooms is a bright orange that is similar to flame azalea .
As long as this plant life has some tad and moisture in the ground , it is a comparatively low care bush .
Conclusion
Embellishment is coarse in flora description . But this is not the case for azaleas . These shrub survive up to all the lofty praise that plant devotee give to them .
Their blooms come in many colour and their sizes and SHAPE vary , allowing them to gibe into many diverse planting aim .
Hopefully , you will find an azalea on this list that pleases your eye and can pull through in your one thousand . If not , there are a few thousand more options at your electric pig .
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