Alphabetical Plant Listing

Rhododendron and Azalea: How To Grow And Care with Success

Experience a blooming paradise with Rhododendrons and Azaleas, the perfect plants for vibrant foliage, stunning flowers, and easy garden maintenance!


What are Rhododendron and Azalea?

Rhododendron and Azalea are both flowering shrubs that belong to the genus Rhododendron. There are over 1,000 species and over 10,000 named varieties and hybrids. Both plants are native to Asia and North America.

Rhododendron vs Azalea: Rhododendrons and azaleas belong to the same plant family, but they are different in several ways:

  • Rhododendrons are typically larger, with bigger leaves and flowers.
  • Azaleas are smaller and more compact, with smaller leaves and flowers.
  • Rhododendrons are typically evergreen, while azaleas can be either deciduous or evergreen.

Flowers: Both plants come in a variety of colors, including pink, red, white, and purple, and some species have multi-colored or variegated blooms. Their flowers are highly ornamental and make a beautiful addition to any garden.

Bloom time: Generally, azaleas bloom earlier than rhododendrons, usually in early to mid spring, while rhododendrons typically bloom in late spring or early summer.

Uses: Rhododendrons and azaleas are popular choices for landscaping and can be used in a variety of ways, from hedges to borders to standalone specimens. They are also popular for use in container gardening and can be grown indoors in bright, indirect light. Both plants have a deep root system and are excellent for stabilizing soil on slopes and preventing soil erosion.

Hardiness: Rhododendrons and azaleas are usually hardy in USDA zones 3-10. Some are particularly cold-hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as -25°F (-31°C), while others prefer milder climates and can only tolerate temperatures down to around 20°F (-7°C).

Toxicity: Rhododendrons and azaleas are toxic to humans and animals if ingested. The leaves contain grayanotoxins, which can cause vomiting, drooling, weakness, and in severe cases, heart failure and death. It's important to keep these plants away from children and pets.

Rabbit: Rhododendrons and Azaleas are often avoided by rabbits because of their toxicity and unpleasant taste.

Guide Information

Hardiness 3 - 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
Compare All Azaleas - Rhododendrons Compare All Rhododendron - Azalea Great Plant Combination Ideas with Rhododendron - Azalea Guides with Azaleas - Rhododendrons Guides with Rhododendron - Azalea

ottochka / 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 - 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
Compare All Azaleas - Rhododendrons Compare All Rhododendron - Azalea Great Plant Combination Ideas with Rhododendron - Azalea Guides with Azaleas - Rhododendrons Guides with Rhododendron - Azalea

Find your Hardiness Zone

Find your Climate Zone

Find your Heat Zone

Join Gardenia.net

Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.

Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

Join now and start creating your dream garden!

Create a New Collection

Optional. For your reference.


Move Selected Plants to a Different Collection


Delete Collection

This field is required.

Rename Collection

This field is required.