The Rhododendron genus contains a flowering bushy plant called azaleas. When the flowers bloom in the spring, azalea bushes may give your garden a sea of color. Orange, yellow, purple, red, pink, and white blooms are available in the Azalea variety. Beautiful azaleas with massive bi-colored petals and protruding stamens are available in several lovely varieties.
Evergreen and deciduous shrubs are also available as azaleas. Year-round foliage retention distinguishesevergreen azalea bushes from deciduous azalea bushes. Azaleas come in over 800 different varieties, with more than 10,000 types. Azalea bushes, unlike rhododendrons, don’t grow as large as their siblings.
This makes them ideal for both large and small gardens. Azalea plants, in fact, come in a variety of lovely dwarf cultivars that thrives in pots. Azaleas are one of the most popular shrubs for beginners to grow, according to most gardeners. You’ll learn about the colors, sizes, and blooming seasons of various azalea types in this article. There is one essential issue to address before we look at the most common types of azaleas: how rhododendrons and azaleas differ.
The Difference Between Azaleas and Rhododendrons
The rhododendron genus includes azaleas, which are flowering shrubs. Azaleas and rhododendrons are thus linked in some way. The azalea names frequently include the word ‘rhododendron.’ The botanical name Rhododendron ‘Autumn Chiffon’ belongs to one of the azaleas in the Encore Azalea Series, for example. As a result, not all rhododendrons are azaleas, despite the fact that they are all subspecies of rhododendrons.
The kind of leaf distinguishes azaleas and rhododendrons. Azaleas are distinguished by their smaller, thinner leather-like leaves, whereas Rhododendrons are characterized by bigger leaves. Rhododendrons, on the other hand, are huge bushes that may grow to be several meters tall. Smaller shrubs that fit into garden landscapes are referred to as azaleas. The spectacular blooms are one thing that both rhododendrons and azaleas share.
Evergreen Hybrid Azalea Bushes (With Pictures and Names)
Evergreen azalea bushes may provide year-round greenery for your garden. The gorgeous brightly colored blooms of azalea plants transform your garden in the springtime. The Encore and Formosa varieties of evergreen azaleas are some of the most popular.
Formosa Azalea (Azalea indica Formosa)
The Formosa azalea bush has cultivars with lovely large purple flowers that are evergreen. These flowers, which resemble a trumpet in form, have a papery, fluffed appearance. The leaves of the Azalea indica ‘Formosa’ stay throughout the year and grow to between 6 and 8 feet (1.8 and 2.4 m). When it blooms in early spring, the Formosa azalea will add a burst of color to the landscape with its vivid brilliant flower colors.
Encore Azaleas
Encore azalea bushes, which grow in zones 6 – 10, produce stunning crimson blooms in the fall.
Rhododendron ‘Autumn Lilac’
In the spring, the beautiful lilac-colored blooms of this purple-flowering Azalea plant emerge. This azalea variation may bloom continuously throughout the summer depending on the weather. The ‘Autumn Lilac,’ which grows to be between 2 and 3 feet (60 and 90 cm), has a similar spread.
Rhododendron ‘Autumn Sunburst’
The Encore Series’ ‘Autumn Sunburst’ produces spectacular, semi-double blooms in the spring and is another evergreen azalea. The coral-pink blooms feature white ruffled edges and are huge. They bloom sporadically from spring till the first frost, as they do with all Encore Series Azaleas.
Rhododendron ‘Autumn Fire’
The Autumn Fire Encore Azalea is a good choice if you’re looking for stunning red blooms in your garden. The huge crimson semi-double blooms may grow up to 2.5″ (7 cm) wide. Little gardens, containers, and colorful hedges are all perfect applications for these cold-hardy, low-maintenance shrubs. This little bushy plant has a spread of roughly 2 feet (60 cm) and grows to be between 2 and 3 feet (60 to 90 cm).
Rhododendron ‘Autumn Chiffon’
The dark green leaves contrast with the beautiful white and pink blooms of the azalea known as the “Autumn Chiffon.” The huge blooms are light pink with dark pink centers and reach a diameter of 2.75″ (8 cm). This azalea species isn’t taller than 3 feet (90 cm) and is a dense evergreen shrub, similar to other ‘Encore’ azaleas.
Rhododendron ‘Autumn Ruby’
This Encore Series azalea blooms scarlet-red flowers in the spring and is a sought-after variety. The ‘Autumn Ruby’ has up to 7 or 8 tiny solitary blooms that are grouped together. This hybrid azalea blooms in a single color of red and is just 1.25″ (3 cm) across when fully opened. The flowerhead, on the other hand, has a broader appearance due to the flower clusters.
The ‘White Group’ Azalea Bush
Beautiful white flowers adorn Rhododendron occidentale Yosemite (left) and Rhododendron alabamense (Alabama Azalea) on the right.
There are 7 varieties of azalea shrubs in the ‘White Group’ that grow well in Europe and North America. The 7 species are: R. alabamense, R. arborescens, R. atlanticum, R. viscosum, R. eastmanii, R. colemanii and R. occidentale.
Azalea bushes from the “white group” have some lovely specimens, so let’s take a look at a few:
Rhododendron Occidentale
This white azalea shrub has a native range in the Western United States, and its cultivars produce some spectacular blooms. Pure white flowers with jagged edges are common in certain cultivar varieties, while white and pink flowers are also available.
Rhododendron Alabamense
The flowers of this medium-sized azalea bush are snowy white and have a lovely spicy lemon fragrance. Little brilliant white flowers up to 1.5″ (4 cm) across make up the flower clusters.
The ‘Pink Group’ of Azalea Bushes
Pink azalea bush varieties include Rhododendron Canescens (left) and Rhododendron Prinophyllum (right). R. azalea contains five species. R. canadense is a species found in Canada. R. canescens R. periclymenoides R. pratophyllum and Prinophyllum Vaseyi have gorgeous blooms that range from light pink to dark red in color.
Let’s look at some beautiful examples:
Rhododendron Canescens
The Canescens is one of the most colorful azalea species from the pink group. The long stamens and tiny pink blooms distinguish this hardy azalea. When these azalea blooms bloom in the spring, they create a stunning display.
Rhododendron Prinophyllum
In colder areas, the Prinophyllum azalea/rhododendron is a fragrant shrub that thrives. The rose-pink blooms are approximately 1.5 to 1.8 inches (2.5 to 4.5 cm) in diameter. The fragrant blooms open in the spring and emit a spicy fragrance.
The Orange to Red Flowering Azalea Shrubs
The flowering azalea ‘Orange to Red Group’ includes five species: Rhododendron calendulaceum, R. R. austrinum, austrinum R. calendulaceum is a species of plant. R. Cumberlandense R. is the genus name for this species, which is a flammeum. The leaves of prunifolium are small and narrow. These azalea cultivars produce yellow, gold, orange, and cherry red blooms, as the name implies.
The following are some of the varieties of flowering azalea:
Rhododendron Calendulaceum
In the spring, big yellow blooms on the azalea Calendulaceum brighten up yards. Azalea blossoms that are up to 2.5″ (6 cm) wide are vibrant yellow. Orange, brilliant red, or sunshine yellow blooms may appear on certain cultivars of this species. From seed, these cold-hardy deciduous azaleas are simple to develop.
Rhododendron Cumberlandense
A lovely small to medium landscaping plant is this orange deciduous azalea, which has little flowers. From the Cumberlandense species, there are a variety of orange to red hybrids. Late in the spring, this azalea blooms.
Deciduous Hybrid Azalea Bushes
With certain varieties able to withstand frost and freezing temperatures, there are 1,000s of deciduous azalea hybrids to choose from.
Rhododendron ‘Golden Lights’
Rhododendron ‘Golden Lights’ is a cold-hardy azalea bush cultivar with many large orange to peach-colored blooms. The clusters of flowers on this orange blooming plant are composed of ten trumpet-shaped blooms. The lovely ruffled petals make this rhododendron hybrid stand out. It grows to 3–6 feet (0.9–1.8 meters) tall and up to 5 feet (1.6 meters) broad, making it a tiny shrub.
Rhododendron ‘Homebush’
This flowering azalea hybrid has dark pink rose-like blooms that are perfect for the fall. Late in the spring and throughout the summer, the medium-sized woody shrub bloom. Little rose-pink funnel-shaped blooms make up the globe-shaped blooms. This award-winning azalea, which grows in pots or along boundaries, is the ideal landscaping choice for a privacy hedge.
Rhododendron ‘Klondyke’
The azalea ‘Klondyke’ is a yellow deciduous variety with bushy showy flowers that bloom in mid to late spring. Large striking bright spring blooms are produced by funnel-shaped flowers that grow in clusters of 8 to 15. The leaves of this azalea hybrid turn copper-red in the autumn, which is one of its distinguishing characteristics. The ‘Klondyke’ enjoys full sun as much as other azaleas do.
Rhododendron ‘Weston’s Innocence’
The azalea ‘Weston’s Innocence’ delivers clusters of lily-like blooms, which create a stunning floral show in your garden. Long white funnel blooms with long pink stamens that stick out from them are stunning. Late spring and early summer are when this deciduous azalea produces a lot of blooms. The azalea shrub, which is cold hardy to -25°F (32°C), grows to a height of 6 to 8 feet (1.8 to 2.4 meters).
Rhododendron ‘Narcissiflorum’ (Azalea ‘Narcissiflorum’)
The name of this azalea cultivar comes from the fact that its blooms resemble lovely yellow daffodils. In late spring, this green leafy shrub is adorned with clusters of yellow double blossoms. Ruffled funnel-shaped blooms have a nice floral fragrance and are suitable for any garden. With a comparable spread, this tough azalea reaches up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) in height.
Rhododendron ‘Mount Saint Helens’
The azalea ‘Mount Saint Helens’ has pink and orange flowers that create magnificent floral displays. In the early summer, your garden will be brightened by an abundance of beautiful trumpet-shaped flowers. The olive-green foliage is nicely complimented by the deep pink blooms. This hardy azalea can handle freezing temperatures if you reside in a cold environment. This azalea can grow up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall, if cared for correctly.
Dodd Confederate Azaleas
Dodd Confederate Azaleas are deciduous, thrives in hot climates, and produce bright yellow blooms that will enliven any landscape. They are, however, known for being difficult to propagate and cultivate. Confederate azaleas thrive in well-draining soil and tolerate partial shade after they’ve taken root.
Rhododendron ‘Admiral Franklin Buchanan’
Showy deep orange azalea blooms grow from this Confederate variety. Because of the curving margins of the petals, the blooms have a distinctive ruffled appearance. The white-tipped stamens stick out from the middle of the recurved delicate petals.
Rhododendron ‘Admiral Semmes’
This is a fast-growing azalea that blooms in the spring with brilliant lemon-colored blossoms. Yellow blooms provide a lovely floral fragrance and enhance the beauty of a spring garden. With a similar spread, these deciduous yellow azalea bushes grow to 4 to 5 feet (1.2 to 1.5 meters).
Rhododendron ‘Stonewall Jackson’
The ‘Stonewall Jackson’ Confederate azalea is a good choice if you’re looking for a deciduous azalea with clusters of huge showy blooms. In the springtime, the massive bushy orange blossoms may make for a lovely flowering bush. Among the Confederate azaleas, these are some of the biggest blooms.
Dwarf Azalea Shrubs (With Pictures and Names)
Choosing the proper kind of dwarf azalea bush for several tiny gardens or containers is critical. These tiny azaleas may grow to be 1 to 4 feet (30 to 120 cm) tall, depending on the cultivar.
Rhododendron ‘Princess Anne’
One of the most gorgeous dwarf azaleas in the rhododendron genus is Rhododendron ‘Princess Anne,’ a kind of compact azalea variety. The plant bears a succession of brilliant blooms and grows to 2 or 3 feet (60–90 cm). Long white, red-tipped stamens protrude from pale yellow-green flowers that are in the form of a funnel. Azalea blooms may brighten up any region of your yard and are roughly 1″ (2.5 cm) broad.
Rhododendron ‘Percy-Wiseman’
The azalea shrub Rhododendron ‘Percy-Wiseman’ has beautiful pinkish-white blooms that are compact and compact. A few clusters of lovely blooms, each with 13–15 tiny flowers, develop on the little azalea shrub. Containers, cottage gardens, and tiny gardens all benefit from this dwarf rhododendron. Up to 4 feet tall, the shrub is a big deal. It has a spread of between 4 and 6 feet (1.2 and 1.8 meters).
Rhododendron ‘April Rose’
The purple flowers of the azalea known as the April Rose are medium-sized dwarf types. When they bloom in the spring, the lovely blooms may grow up to 2″ (5 cm) broad and emit a delicate fragrance. The azalea known as the April Rose is a very hardy plant that thrives in cold climates. It can grow to be up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) tall.
Japanese (Indica) Azaleas
The Rhododendron indicum species, which is native to Japan, includes a vast number of cultivars, the most famous of which being Satsuki azaleas.
Satsuki Evergreen Azaleas
Satsuki azaleas are evergreen bushes that range in color from light purple to pink. These azaleas are popular bonsai trees in Japan, where they create stunning flowers. The following are some of the most well-known Satsuki azaleas:
- The Gumpo Satsuki azalea Pink, red, or white cultivars are available.
- The Aikoku Japanese azalea White blossoms with purple or pink streaks cover them.
- The Kazan azalea Because of its nice foliage and blooms, this is one of the most popular azalea cultivars for gardeners.
Azalea Japonica ‘Girard’s Rose’
The flowers of Azalea Japonica ‘Girard’ are stunning, and they come in a deep pink color. Against the deep green foliage, the deep pink or magenta-colored blooms stand out. This Japanese azalea is ideal as a little shrub or ground cover. With a spread of up to 4 ft. (130 cm), the azalea grows to be between 1 and 2 feet (30 and 60 cm) tall.
Beautiful Flowering Azalea Bushes for Rock Gardens (With Pictures and Names)
Dwarf azaleas are ideal for rock gardens, and most of them are flawless. Yet, for sunny rock gardens, there are few azalea cultivars that are particularly impressive.
Rhododendron ‘Ramapo’
This purple azalea cultivar, known as the Rhododendron ‘Ramapo,’ is ideal for rock gardens. Due to its clusters of small violet flowers, this cultivar is one of the most attractive purple azalea types. You’ll see gorgeous purple blooms covering your rock garden every spring. This tough azalea can tolerate full sun and requires minimal upkeep. This tiny azalea can grow up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall and 3 feet (90 cm) wide, according to USDA estimates.
Rhododendron ‘Ginny Gee’
Since it only grows to between 1 and 2 ft. (30 and 60 cm), this low-growing, evergreen azalea cultivar is ideal for rock gardens. A swarm of little ruffled white blooms appeared in mid-spring. Whites and pinks are the hues of the lovely blooms. In fact, the dark green foliage is difficult to see due to the abundance of flower clusters. The azalea will grow up to 2 feet (60 centimeters) in diameter.
How to Care for Azalea Bushes
Azaleas are low-maintenance plants that are usually straightforward to care for. Zones 4 to 10 are ideal for most azaleas, while zone 3 is possible. Plant azaleas in well-drained soil where they will get some shade. During the winter, provide plenty of mulch around your azaleas’ roots to care for them. Your azaleas will reward you with lovely flowers from early spring forward if you take care of them properly. Several cultivars may bloom for a few days or even a few weeks after the first frost.