Azaleas and Rhododendrons with Attractive Fall Colors

Deciduous Azaleas, Evergreen Azaleas, Lepidote Rhododendrons, Elepidote Rhododendrons

Azaleas, Rhododendrons, Deciduous Azaleas, Fall Foliage, Fall Colors, Evergreen Azaleas, Hardy Rhododendron

Azaleas and Rhododendrons, with their voluptuous flowers, are one of the best-loved sights of spring. But did you know that some of them also experience a fabulous second season of interest in the fall when their foliage turns brilliant shades of gold, scarlet, or burgundy?

Rhododendrons are usually evergreen and keep their leaves throughout the winter. However, Azaleas, which belong to the same genus Rhododendron, are often deciduous and naturally provide the best fall color. These color changes may be richly varied. Depending on the Azalea varieties, they may start with bronze or chartreuse tones before continuing through various shades of gold, orange, scarlet, red, and burgundy. Many plants pass through nearly all of these color phases, injecting vibrant sparkles into the fall garden. Please note that the foliage color on Azaleas depends on the amount of moisture in summer and the coolness of late summer and early fall nights.

To obtain a brilliant fall display, there are many species and hybrids to pick from. The following is a list of Azaleas and Rhododendrons with staggering blossoms, unusual charm in terms of fall color, and reliable performance. 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. Some are delightfully fragrant, others are incredibly hardy and can withstand temperatures are low as -25°F (-32°C).

Hopefully, this list will be of assistance to those wishing to add glorious fall color to their plantings!

Guide Information

Hardiness	3 - 9
Plant Type	Shrubs
Genus	Rhododendron
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early), Fall
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	Hedges And Screens, Beds And Borders, Banks And Slopes
Garden Styles	City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden

Azaleas and Rhododendrons with Attractive Fall Colors

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
Height	3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)
Spread	3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)

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
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
Height	3' - 5' (90cm - 150cm)
Spread	3' - 5' (90cm - 150cm)

Rhododendron ‘Narcissiflorum’

Noted for its sweetly scented double flowers in spring, RRhododendron ‘Narcissiflorum’ is a compact medium-sized deciduous Azalea prized for its sweetly scented double flowers in spring. Blooming from late spring to early summer, the small balled clusters hold 10 pale yellow hose-in-hose blooms with darker throats and shading on the outside. The mid-green deciduous foliage turns bronze-purple in fall. Resistant to mildew, this popular Ghent Azalea is cold hardy up to -15°F (-26°C) and tolerates warmth well.

Hardiness	5 - 8
Height	4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)
Spread	4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)

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
Height	5' - 6' (150cm - 180cm)
Spread	5' - 6' (150cm - 180cm)

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
Height	4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)
Spread	4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)

Rhododendron ‘Weston’s Innocence’

Rhododendron ‘Weston’s Innocence’ is a vigorous medium-sized deciduous Azalea known for its scented flowers and lovely fall foliage. Blooming abundantly in late spring to early summer, it showcases showy dome-shaped clusters of 8 frilly, trumpet-shaped flowers with a pale yellow dorsal flare and a strong fragrance. The oval, glossy, mid-green leaves are resistant to mildew and take on a bronze hue when new, turning attractive shades of burgundy-red in the fall. This exceptional cold-hardy hybrid can withstand temperatures as low as -25°F (-32°C).

Hardiness	4 - 8
Height	6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm)
Spread	6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm)

Rhododendron ‘White Lights’

Rhododendron ‘White Lights’ is a stunning deciduous Azalea known for its cold hardiness. Blooming from late spring to early summer, it showcases abundant dome-shaped trusses of 5 luminous, trumpet-shaped shell-pink flowers. The blooms feature faint golden markings that gradually fade to white over time. Highly floriferous and slightly fragrant, this popular Azalea displays attractive elliptic, flat, olive green leaves that turn deep bronze in the fall.

Hardiness	3 - 7
Height	4' - 5' (120cm - 150cm)
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
Height	4' - 8' (120cm - 240cm)
Spread	4' - 8' (120cm - 240cm)

Rhododendron luteum (Pontic Azalea)

Rhododendron luteum is a prized medium-sized deciduous Azalea adored for its sweet fragrance and vibrant spring colors. Its large floral trusses display 7 to 17 bright golden-yellow, funnel-shaped flowers with a darker yellow blotch. The delightful scent fills the air from late spring to early summer, making it a valuable addition near patios and homes. The leaves turn stunning shades of orange, yellow, and red in the fall, adding to its allure.

Hardiness	6 - 9
Height	4' - 5' (120cm - 150cm)
Spread	4' - 5' (120cm - 150cm)

Rhododendron occidentale (Western Azalea)

Rhododendron occidentale, known as Western Azalea, is a stunning plant that captivates with its large, fragrant white flowers. The floral trusses display 5 to 25 flaring trumpet-shaped blooms, sparkling in white with occasional pink tinges and a bright yellow to orange spot. The sweet and spicy clove scent fills the air in late spring to early summer. The glossy deciduous foliage adds to its charm, turning vibrant shades of orange and yellow in the fall.

Hardiness	7 - 9
Height	6' - 15' (180cm - 4.6m)
Spread	6' - 15' (180cm - 4.6m)

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
Height	3' - 8' (90cm - 240cm)
Spread	3' - 8' (90cm - 240cm)

Rhododendron schlippenbachii (Royal Azalea)

Rhododendron schlippenbachii, or Royal Azalea, is a captivating deciduous Azalea that offers year-round interest. In mid to late spring, abundant clusters of saucer-shaped pink flowers adorn the branches, emitting a delicate fragrance. The pale green leaves, flushed with pinkish bronze, form attractive whorls. In autumn, the foliage turns a breathtaking display of brilliant red, orange, and yellow. Even in winter, the well-balanced branching structure remains appealing.

Hardiness	4 - 8
Height	4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)
Spread	3' - 5' (90cm - 150cm)

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
Height	10' - 15' (3m - 4.6m)
Spread	8' - 10' (240cm - 3m)

Rhododendron viscosum (Swamp Azalea)

Rhododendron viscosum, or Swamp Azalea, is a prized native shrub known for its fragrant flowers and stunning fall foliage. This deciduous shrub produces white flowers, often tinged with pink, in small clusters after the leaves emerge. The flowers emit a strong clove-like perfume. The lustrous dark green leaves turn vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and purple in the fall. Exceptionally cold-hardy, this Azalea can withstand temperatures as low as -20°F (-29°C). It makes a wonderful addition to any landscape, especially near patios or living areas, where its delightful fragrance can be enjoyed.

Hardiness	3 - 9
Height	5' - 8' (150cm - 240cm)
Spread	7' - 10' (210cm - 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 provide protection 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 dessication. 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.