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. But what is the difference between Azaleas and Rhododendrons?

Once classified in separate plant groups, Azaleas and Rhododendrons are now placed together in the genus Rhododendron because of their many common characteristics. Gardeners and nurseries continue, however, to make the distinction, referring to each by their common name. The 2 groups can be distinguished on the basis of a few physical features.

Azaleas

• May be deciduous or evergreen
• Leaves tend to be thin and soft, often hairy
• Leaves never have scales
• Flowers typically have 5 or 6 stamens
• Evergreen Azaleas generally have 1 to 3 flowers at the end of each stem
• Many small stems