Deciduous Azaleas, Evergreen Azaleas, Lepidote Rhododendrons, Elepidote Rhododendrons
Azaleas and Rhododendrons, with their magnificent flowers, are some of the best-loved sights of spring. 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. Evergreen or deciduous, they come in all shapes and sizes, from small, ground-hugging shrubs to large, tree-like specimens. Their flowers range from the tiny and delicate blossoms of floriferous dwarf shrubs to the huge clusters or ‘trusses’ of tall growing hybrids and species. Some are fragrant, and others feature wonderful foliage adding glorious fall color to the landscape. All are fascinating.
Azaleas and Rhododendrons are members of the genus Rhododendron, one of the largest genera in the plant world, which includes over 900 species and over 20,000 named hybrids of Rhododendrons and Azaleas. Attractive landscape plants in cool and moist climates, many varieties have been struggling in New England as a result of floods, blizzards, bare-ground winters, northeasters, heat waves, cold snaps, hurricanes, and even the odd tornado.
The following is a list of Azaleas and Rhododendrons recognized as proven performers in New England. Most have received the Rhododendron of the Year Award from the American Rhododendron Society. To be selected for such an award, a plant must have excellent foliage and flowers, have an attractive plant habit, be pest and disease-resistant, and be cold-hardy for the region.
| Hardiness |
3 - 7 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
1 - 3 |
| Plant Type | Shrubs |
| Genus | Rhododendron |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Early, Mid, Late) Summer (Early) Fall Winter |
| Height | |
| Spread | |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy |
| Tolerance | Rabbit |
| Attracts | Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
| Landscaping Ideas | Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Patio And Containers, Small Gardens |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Traditional Garden |
Remember that the ability to grow Azaleas and Rhododendrons successfully depends also on the site selection and soil preparation.
bigemrg / 123RF Stock Photo
| Hardiness |
3 - 7 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
1 - 3 |
| Plant Type | Shrubs |
| Genus | Rhododendron |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Early, Mid, Late) Summer (Early) Fall Winter |
| Height | |
| Spread | |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy |
| Tolerance | Rabbit |
| Attracts | Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
| Landscaping Ideas | Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Patio And Containers, Small Gardens |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Traditional Garden |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
Join now and start creating your dream garden!
