Azaleas and Rhododendrons for Small Gardens
Deciduous Azaleas, Evergreen Azaleas, Lepidote Rhododendrons, Elepidote Rhododendrons
Azaleas and Rhododendrons are highly popular ornamental shrubs that come in all shapes and sizes, from small, ground-hugging shrubs to large, tree-like specimens. Their flowers range from tiny and delicate blossoms to huge 'trusses' counting up to 25 flowers! Some feature a wonderful foliage adding glorious fall color to the landscape, others are deliciously fragrant. All are fascinating.
If your garden is small, you need to choose Azaleas and Rhododendrons that won’t overwhelm the space or create a maintenance chore for you, so try to select a smaller variety.
- Choose varieties that will grow on a scale appropriate for your landscape needs. Rhododendrons have no final size and can grow almost indefinitely. They range from dwarf, ground-hugging varieties which may reach 16 in. in 10 years (40 cm) to giant tree-like specimens as tall as 20 ft. or more (6 m). Both moisture and the length of the growing season will have a serious impact on their growth rate. Some Rhododendrons will experience a fast growth rate (2 ft. per or 60 cm) while others will slowly grow less than 0.5 in. per year (1cm).
- If you choose plants that are the right size, to begin with, they are relatively maintenance-free. If not, Azaleas and Rhododendrons can be pruned to be kept small. Most varieties can be cut back if they get too large, except some species with smooth bark which will not regenerate. All small-leaved Rhododendrons (Lepidote Rhododendrons) and deciduous or evergreen Azaleas can be cut back or pruned.
The following is a list of compact, dwarf to medium-size Azaleas and Rhododendrons famed for their flowers. Most of them have been recognized as proven performers and have received the Rhododendron of the Year Award of the American Rhododendron Society and/or the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
Guide Information
Hardiness |
3 - 11
|
---|---|
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Azaleas - Rhododendrons, Rhododendron - Azalea |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early) Fall Winter |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
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 | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers, Small Gardens |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Traditional Garden |
mexrix / 123RF Stock Photoalfotokunst / 123RF Stock Photo
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Guide Information
Hardiness |
3 - 11
|
---|---|
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Azaleas - Rhododendrons, Rhododendron - Azalea |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early) Fall Winter |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
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 | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers, Small Gardens |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Traditional Garden |