Azaleas and Rhododendrons: What is the Difference?
Deciduous Azaleas, Evergreen Azaleas, Lepidote Rhododendrons, Elepidote Rhododendrons
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
Guide Information
Hardiness |
4 - 10
|
---|---|
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Azaleas - Rhododendrons, Rhododendron - Azalea |
Exposure | Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Tolerance | Rabbit |
Attracts | Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Landscaping Ideas | Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers, Wall-Side Borders |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Traditional Garden |
Top picture is courtesy of the Willow Garden
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 |
4 - 10
|
---|---|
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Azaleas - Rhododendrons, Rhododendron - Azalea |
Exposure | Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Tolerance | Rabbit |
Attracts | Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Landscaping Ideas | Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers, Wall-Side Borders |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Traditional Garden |