Beautiful Azaleas and Rhododendrons for the Midwest

Deciduous Azaleas, Evergreen Azaleas, Lepidote Rhododendrons, Elepidote Rhododendrons

Midwest Azaleas, Midwest Rhododendrons, Midwest Deciduous Azaleas, Midwest Evergreen Azaleas,

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 fabulous 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, including over 900 species and over 20,000 named hybrids of Rhododendrons and Azaleas. Attractive landscape plants in cool and moist climates, many varieties cannot be successfully grown in the Midwest region because of their lack of cold hardiness. A small number, however, possess excellent cold hardiness and grow well in the Midwest.

The following is a list of Azaleas and Rhododendrons recognized as proven performers in the Midwest region. 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.

Guide Information

Hardiness	3 - 6
Heat Zones	1 - 8
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	Patio And Containers, Banks And Slopes, Hedges And Screens, Beds And Borders, Small Gardens
Garden Styles	City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Traditional Garden

Beautiful Azaleas and Rhododendrons for the Midwest

Rhododendron ‘April Rose’

Rhododendron ‘April Rose’ is an early blooming, cold-hardy shrub. It features double, purplish-red flowers with wide funnel-shaped petals, up to 2 inches wide (5 cm), blooming in early to mid-spring. The evergreen foliage consists of deep green, elliptic leaves that turn reddish-bronze in fall. Withstanding temperatures as low as -25ºF (-31ºC), it’s a reliable and attractive accent shrub.

Hardiness	4 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid), Fall
Height	3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)
Spread	3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)

Rhododendron ‘Fragrant Star’

Rhododendron ‘Fragrant Star’ is a highly regarded deciduous Azalea, known for its remarkable fragrance. Blooming in mid-spring, it presents masses of strongly scented, funnel-shaped pure white flowers, reaching up to 1.5 inches wide (3-4 cm). The blue-green foliage adds to its attractiveness. This Azalea is heat tolerant and exhibits exceptional cold hardiness, enduring temperatures as low as -20°F (-29°C).

Hardiness	5 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid)
Height	3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)
Spread	3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)

Rhododendron ‘Gibraltar’

Rhododendron ‘Gibraltar’ is a captivating deciduous azalea, renowned for its blazing beauty. Its striking ball-shaped trusses bear 10 to 12 bright orange, frilled flowers, up to 3 inches wide. Opening from deep crimson buds in mid to late spring, they create an exceptional display and contrast elegantly with the narrow green foliage that remains unchanged in fall. This extremely hardy and mildew-resistant Knaphill hybrid is a garden gem.

Hardiness	5 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late)
Height	4' - 5' (120cm - 150cm)
Spread	4' - 5' (120cm - 150cm)

Rhododendron ‘Girard’s Fuchsia’

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. Blooming in late spring, the blossoms of this midseason rhododendron cover the shrub in a brilliant color display. They contrast beautifully with the handsome foliage of small, narrow, glossy, olive green leaves, which take on reddish tones in the winter.

Hardiness	5 - 8
Exposure	Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late)
Height	4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)
Spread	4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)

Rhododendron ‘Golden Lights’

Rhododendron ‘Golden Lights’ is a fragrant and cold-hardy deciduous Azalea from the Northern Lights Hybrid Series. It showcases abundant flat trusses of luminous golden or butter-yellow funnel-shaped flowers with salmon-pink to orange highlights. Blooming in late spring to early summer, the trusses appear enormous despite each bloom being less than 2 inches (5 cm) in size. The narrow olive green leaves provide added resistance to mildew.

Hardiness	3 - 7
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early)
Height	3' - 6' (90cm - 180cm)
Spread	3' - 6' (90cm - 180cm)

Rhododendron ‘Hino Crimson’

Rhododendron ‘Hino Crimson,’ a favored choice in the Northwest, is a compact, evergreen Azalea of great allure. It blooms in early to mid-spring, boasting ball-shaped trusses adorned with brilliant scarlet-red flowers and dark crimson throats. Its intense flowering almost blankets the shrub, while its glossy dark green leaves turn bronze to red in colder weather. This Kurume hybrid Azalea is perfect for small gardens or rock gardens, offering an impressive color display.

Hardiness	5 - 9
Exposure	Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid)
Height	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread	3' - 5' (90cm - 150cm)

Rhododendron ‘Homebush’

Valued for its luminous flowers and showy fall color, multiple award-winning Rhododendron ‘Homebush’ is a small deciduous shrub that produces dense, perfectly round trusses of 14 to 16 rose-pink flowers with long stamens elegantly protruding from the corolla. Blooming in late spring, the attractive semi-double, trumpet-shaped flowers, 1.5 in. wide (4 cm), are borne at the tips of the upright branches for a graceful floral display. The foliage of elliptic, light green leaves provides excellent fall color and is mildew resistant.

Hardiness	6 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Fall
Height	4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)
Spread	4' - 5' (120cm - 150cm)

Rhododendron ‘Karens’

Rhododendron ‘Karens’ is a stunning and hardy semi-evergreen Azalea. Its slightly fragrant flowers are abundant in mid to late spring, showcasing large, open, funnel-shaped blooms with a rich reddish-purple color and elegant darker freckles. The elliptic, glossy, olive green leaves turn wine-red and coppery in fall and winter.

Hardiness	5 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	3' - 5' (90cm - 150cm)
Spread	3' - 5' (90cm - 150cm)

Rhododendron ‘Ken Janeck’

Rhododendron ‘Ken Janeck’ is a stunning broadleaf evergreen shrub. In mid-spring, it produces abundant clusters of approximately 13 to 17 soft pink, trumpet-shaped flowers. Each bloom opens from deep rose-pink buds, fades to pale pink, and eventually turns white, with slight green spotting on the upper lobe. The compact, dense multi-stemmed growth forms an attractive mound.

Hardiness	5 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid)
Height	3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)
Spread	3' - 5' (90cm - 150cm)

Rhododendron ‘Klondyke’

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. 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. An extremely hardy selection that never fails to provide a splendid display when massed in shrub borders.

Hardiness	5 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late)
Height	4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)
Spread	4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)

Rhododendron ‘Mary Fleming’

Rhododendron ‘Mary Fleming’ is an exquisite choice for small gardens. Its creamy flowers feature wavy edges and delicate salmon-pink hues, complemented by a darker pink blotch at the throat. Blooming in mid-spring, this early midseason rhododendron dazzles with its color display, contrasting the handsome foliage that shifts from bronze to dark green and then rich bronze in winter. Sun and heat tolerant, this compact evergreen variety is exceptionally cold hardy and reliably stunning.

Hardiness	5 - 8
Exposure	Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid)
Height	1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm)
Spread	1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm)

Rhododendron ‘Mount Saint Helens’

Rhododendron ‘Mount Saint Helens’ is a prized medium-sized deciduous Azalea. It features abundant trusses of 11 trumpet-shaped flowers in rich salmon pink, with a striking golden-orange blotch. This Girard hybrid exhibits exceptional cold hardiness and showcases handsome olive green foliage that turns golden-bronze in the fall.

Hardiness	3 - 7
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early)
Height	5' - 6' (150cm - 180cm)
Spread	5' - 6' (150cm - 180cm)

Rhododendron ‘Nova Zembla’

Rhododendron ‘Nova Zembla’ is a highly prized evergreen shrub, known for its stunning flowers and extreme cold hardiness. Its large rounded trusses bear brilliant red blooms with delicate maroon blotches. Flowering abundantly in mid to late spring, this Catawba hybrid creates a remarkable floral display. With glossy dark green foliage, it is also tolerant of heat and sun.

Hardiness	4 - 9
Exposure	Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late)
Height	6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm)
Spread	5' - 7' (150cm - 210cm)

Rhododendron ‘Olga Mezitt’

Rhododendron ‘Olga Mezitt’ is an attractive early midseason evergreen shrub. It offers year-round interest with its abundant dome-shaped trusses of approximately 12 clear pink flowers in late spring. Each slightly fragrant bloom showcases subtle golden green blotches that transition to reddish-brown. The lance-shaped aromatic leaves are disease-resistant and turn lovely coppery-burgundy hues in winter. This Rhododendron grows in a wide and upright form.

Hardiness	4 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late)
Height	4' - 5' (120cm - 150cm)
Spread	3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)

Rhododendron ‘PJM Elite’

Rhododendron ‘PJM Elite’ is a highly popular and cold-hardy evergreen shrub in North America. It showcases vigorous growth and a striking display of abundant rounded clusters containing 10 to 15 vibrant reddish-purple trumpet-shaped flowers in mid to late spring. The elliptic, glossy, dark green leaves transform to a beautiful reddish-purple hue in the fall and winter.

Hardiness	4 - 8
Exposure	Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	5' - 6' (150cm - 180cm)
Spread	5' - 6' (150cm - 180cm)

Rhododendron ‘Rosebud’

Rhododendron ‘Rosebud,’ an award-winning Azalea, captivates with its rosy-pink double flowers, 1.5 inches wide. Blooming in mid to late spring, the blossoms boast up to 12 petals, delicately veined with deep purplish pink. This midseason Gable hybrid dazzles with its six-week flowering display, covering the shrub and concealing branches and leaves. Its glossy, mid-green evergreen foliage remains unchanged in fall. Raised by Gable, ‘Rosebud’ is the ultimate cold-hardy, full double pink Azalea.

Hardiness	6 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late)
Height	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread	3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)

Rhododendron ‘Roseum Elegans’

Rhododendron ‘Roseum Elegans’ is a vigorous, large, broadleaf evergreen shrub. It features abundant rounded clusters of rosy lavender flowers, blooming from late spring to early summer. Each cluster can hold up to 20 attractive bell-shaped flowers with delicate reddish-brown spotting. The blossoms gradually transition to pink and beautifully contrast with the glossy, olive green, elliptic leaves.

Hardiness	4 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early)
Height	6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm)
Spread	6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm)

Rhododendron ‘Rosy Lights’

Rhododendron ‘Rosy Lights’ is a fragrant and cold-hardy deciduous Azalea from the Northern Lights Hybrid Series. It showcases abundant dome-shaped trusses of 8 luminous, deep rose-pink, trumpet-shaped flowers with orange freckles on their dorsal lobes. Blooming before the leaves unfurl in late spring to early summer, this highly floriferous Azalea exhibits handsome narrow olive green foliage that turns maroon in the fall.

Hardiness	3 - 7
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early)
Height	4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)
Spread	4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)

Rhododendron ‘Scintillation’

Rhododendron ‘Scintillation,’ a multiple award-winner, showcases large trusses of 11 to 15 soft pink flowers. Blooming in mid to late spring, each trumpet-shaped flower boasts golden freckles at the throat and emits a pleasant fragrance up close. This midseason beauty impresses with a profusion of blooms that engulf the shrub, while its glossy, olive to dark green evergreen leaves retain their charm throughout the seasons. Heat and cold tolerant, it’s a favored choice in eastern North America.

Hardiness	5 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late)
Height	4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)
Spread	4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)

Rhododendron ‘Windbeam’

Rhododendron ‘Windbeam’ is a prized, compact deciduous Azalea hybrid known for its luminous spring flowers and cold hardiness. It produces abundant ball-shaped clusters of 8 funnel-shaped white flowers, tinged with soft apricot. As they age, the blossoms turn light purplish-pink, with red spotting on the dorsal lobes. The small, rounded, aromatic olive green leaves transition to bronze-green in the fall.

Hardiness	4 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid)
Height	3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)
Spread	3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)

Rhododendron atlanticum (Coastal Azalea)

Rhododendron atlanticum, commonly known as Coastal Azalea or Dwarf Azalea, is a fragrant, semi-dwarf, deciduous Azalea native to the southeastern coastal plains of the United States. Blooming in mid to late spring, its white funnel-shaped flowers, up to 1.5 inches wide (3-4 cm), often blush softly with pink. The flowers form clusters of 3 to 13 and contrast beautifully with the elliptic blue-green leaves. This low, spreading shrub is valued in Azalea breeding programs for its sweet fragrance and is a wonderful addition to walking paths.

Hardiness	6 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late)
Height	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread	4' - 5' (120cm - 150cm)

Rhododendron calendulaceum (Flame Azalea)

Rhododendron calendulaceum, the Flame Azalea, stands as a remarkable native shrub with stunning, larger-than-average flowers. Blooms appear as leaves emerge, displaying fiery colors from golden-yellow to brilliant red with an orange blotch. Stamens elegantly extend from the corolla, and its late midseason to late-season flowering brings a vibrant spectacle to landscapes in late spring to early summer.

Hardiness	5 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early), Fall
Height	4' - 8' (120cm - 240cm)
Spread	4' - 8' (120cm - 240cm)

Rhododendron mucronulatum ‘Cornell Pink’

Rhododendron mucronulatum ‘Cornell Pink’ is both exceptionally cold hardy and ornamental, boasting early spring blooms. This medium-sized deciduous shrub features graceful clusters of clear pink, broadly funnel-shaped flowers, up to 2 inches wide, adorning bare branches from mid-winter to early spring. Its show lasts two weeks, providing a delightful sight amidst the scarcity of other blooms. The lanceolate, dark green leaves are deciduous, turning yellow and bronze before dropping.

Hardiness	4 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early), Winter
Height	4' - 5' (120cm - 150cm)
Spread	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)

Rhododendron prinophyllum (Roseshell Azalea)

Rhododendron prinophyllum, also known as Roseshell Azalea, is a prized and vigorous deciduous Azalea. It delights with its fragrant flowers and captivating display. In mid to late spring, abundant rose pink funnel-shaped blossoms, 1-2 inches wide (2-5 cm), adorned with protruding stamens, form large clusters of 4-12 flowers before or during leaf emergence. The elliptic, smooth, blue-green deciduous leaves turn attractive shades of purple in the fall. With a rich cinnamon to clove fragrance, this Azalea is exceptionally cold-hardy and exhibits tolerance to high pH.

Hardiness	4 - 8
Exposure	Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Fall
Height	3' - 8' (90cm - 240cm)
Spread	3' - 8' (90cm - 240cm)

Rhododendron prunifolium (Plumleaf Azalea)

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. This deciduous azalea produces an abundance of orange to vivid red, funnel-shaped flowers, up to 2 in. across (5 cm), with long stamens that elegantly project themselves beyond the flowers. Borne in clusters of 4-7 flowers, the blooms are a great nectar source for swallowtail butterflies and hummingbirds. They contrast beautifully with the elliptic to obovate, 6 in. long (15 cm), dark green shiny leaves which turn yellowish to plum in the fall.

Hardiness	5 - 9
Exposure	Partial Sun
Seasons	Summer (Mid, Late)
Height	8' - 10' (240cm - 3m)
Spread	6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm)

Rhododendron vaseyi (Pink-Shell Azalea)

A standout among native azaleas, Rhododendron vaseyi (Pink-Shell Azalea) is a deciduous shrub that ushers in spring with its charming blooms. Delicate pink to white flowers with spotted throats grace leafless stems, appearing before the emergence of shiny dark green foliage. In fall, the leaves transform into a fiery display of orange and red hues. A splendid choice for border plantings, native to the southern Blue Ridge Mountains.

Hardiness	5 - 7
Exposure	Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid), Fall
Height	10' - 15' (3m - 4.6m)
Spread	8' - 10' (240cm - 3m)

Remember that the ability to grow Azaleas and Rhododendrons successfully depends also on the site selection and soil preparation.

Their soil should be acidic, organic, moist, fertile, and well-drained.
Choose a site with dappled shade in sheltered conditions. Avoid deep shade beneath other trees. Most Rhododendrons will tolerate a more open site if sheltered from cold, dry winds. Dwarf alpine species will tolerate full sun provided the soil is kept evenly moist.
Many Azaleas and Rhododendrons are fully cold hardy, however, a few of them have frost-resistant flowers. Any flowers blooming before the last spring frost are susceptible to damage. Since the frost damage is generally caused when the early morning sun strikes the plants’ frozen tissues, you should site your Azalea or Rhododendron where both leaves and flowers are protected from the early morning sun, and where they will adapt slowly to the increasing temperatures of the day. Since frost flows downward, avoid planting them in low-lying spots known to be frost pockets.

When placing plants, always choose locations that mitigate extreme temperature changes, especially in spring and fall, and protect from drying summer or winter winds. Azaleas and Rhododendrons may be harmed in winter by frozen grounds and drying winds or bright sun which will cause severe foliage desiccation. Protect their shallow roots with a mulch of oak leaves or pine needles and their foliage with woven material such as burlap screens. This will help in preventing bark split (when the sap running in the stem is frozen and burst the bark).

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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.