Alphabetical Plant Listing

Hardiest Azaleas and Rhododendrons

Deciduous Azaleas, Evergreen Azaleas, Lepidote Rhododendrons, Elepidote Rhododendrons


Gracing woodland gardens and shrub borders with their magnificent flowers, Azaleas and Rhododendrons are popular ornamental shrubs for gardens of all sizes. Evergreen or deciduous, these members of the genus Rhododendron 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, others feature a wonderful foliage adding glorious fall color to the landscape. All are fascinating but some varieties can tolerate severe winter conditions while others cannot.

The following list of Azaleas and Rhododendrons are exceptionally cold hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as -26ºF (-32ºC). They have all been recognized as proven performers and have received the Rhododendron of the Year Award of the American Rhododendron Society. Among them are some Iron-clads hybrids, which are regarded as the hardiest Rhododendrons and can tolerate open sites in sun (provided their roots remain moist).

Guide Information

Hardiness 3 - 9
Heat Zones 1 - 9
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Azaleas - Rhododendrons, Rhododendron - Azalea
Exposure 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 Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Landscaping Ideas Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Traditional Garden
Compare All Azaleas - Rhododendrons Compare All Rhododendron - Azalea Great Plant Combination Ideas with Rhododendron - Azalea Guides with Azaleas - Rhododendrons Guides with Rhododendron - Azalea

kotenko / 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 - 9
Heat Zones 1 - 9
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Azaleas - Rhododendrons, Rhododendron - Azalea
Exposure 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 Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Landscaping Ideas Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Traditional Garden
Compare All Azaleas - Rhododendrons Compare All Rhododendron - Azalea Great Plant Combination Ideas with Rhododendron - Azalea Guides with Azaleas - Rhododendrons Guides with Rhododendron - Azalea

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