Beyond that, azaleas generally have smaller leaves and branches and are more often deciduous, while rhododendrons have larger, leathery leaves and are usually evergreen. Most commonly, their flowers are in shades of white, pink, red, lavender, or purple and various bicolor types. The ideal azalea planting location features filtered sunlight and protection from strong winds, as recommended by gardening website Gardens Ablaze. They prefer light dappled shade, but can also be grown in sun or more shade. Ghent azaleas are hybrids developed in Belgium about 150 years ago resulting from crosses between several American azalea species and R. luteum.Their single flowers, with one ring of petals, or double flowers, with numerous overlapping petals, are 1 1/2 to 2 inches across and come in white and in shades of yellow, orange, pink and red. Evergreen vs. Deciduous. Autumn colour in most varieties: red, orange, yellow shades as the leaves fall. Deciduous Azaleas come alive in late Spring with a profusion of brightly coloured trumpet shaped flowers in a variety of shades, few shrubs produce such a stunning display of colour. These are often semi-evergreen, with largish single flowers in mid- to late May. Most evergreen azaleas originated in Japan, but some came from China, Korea or Taiwan. Most deciduous azaleas are very tough (H5-6) and wind/exposure tolerant. The Indian Azaleas are those evergreen types to be found in the florist shops – … Hybrid Deciduous Azaleas. Azaleas grow into a compact, flowering shrub that thrives in partial shade. All Azaleas are elepidotes; they never have scales on the bottom side of their leaves. At least two species of deciduous azaleas are native to eastern Canada and several more species are found in New England. On the other hand, deciduous azalea varieties work nicely in woodland settings. Flowering in winter with large flowers, sometimes doubles the wonderful white flowering ‘Alba magnifica’ is one of the most popular, ‘White bouquet’ is another. Frosts are not so damaging to Azalea mollis types as with the evergreen azaleas. When To Prune Deciduous Azaleas. They can be cut back to keep them in bounds. There are many different types of azaleas and most people have had one that looked beautiful but eventually died, usually because it was not a hardy variety. 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. [1] The flower color, fragrance, and number of stamens vary among species. There are dwarf azaleas, native azaleas, hybrid azaleas, young azaleas but they all have the same thing in common when it comes to pruning. A point of confusion often arises over the term azalea. He started by crossing R. calundulaceum with R. prinophyllum. Azaleas are all in the genus, Rhododendron. For the most part, azaleas bloom earlier than rhododendrons. They can be grown in soils up to pH 6.5 when plenty of ericaceous compost is added. Deciduous Azalea. In this article, we'll talk about 10 of the most popular ones. Tweet. Evergreen Hybrids. They are more tolerant of winter. Most azaleas are deciduous, although most types used in the home landscape are evergreen. Evergreen Azaleas. 12 Different Types Of Azaleas And Why They're Good For. Types of Azaleas The Indica types are taller growing and can reach around 3.5m, however they are generally kept lower than this. Azaleas have hairs on their leaves that grow parallel to the leaf surface. To keep bushes compact, tip-pinch frequently, starting after flowering ends and continuing until mid-June. A hybrid azalea crosses between different types or other hybrids. The plants from this series are known as the Ghent Azaleas. The Aromi azalea group, or Rhododendron aromi, consists of both an evergreen group, with 31 cultivars, and a deciduous group, with eight registered cultivars. This probably allows the wood to ripen for producing the best flowering display for the following spring season. R. austrinum, the "Florida flame azalea", is the most tolerant of warm temperatures, and is being bred into other deciduous hybrid azaleas (such as the Aromi hybrids below) to increase their heat tolerance. One is a larger and produces about 20 flowers while the other bud produces a leafy shoot. 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. At least dappled sunlight is required for optimal blooming on Gibraltar azaleas. Azaleas generally prefer rich, acidic soil. 0 Shares. Hardy, Old-fashioned, tall-growing azaleas. An azalea is a plant in the Rhododendron genus.Rhododendrons and azaleas are very similar, and sometimes the line between the two blurs, but as a general rule, azaleas are smaller, with flowers which tend to be fragrant. Azaleas from the Encore series, such as 'Encore Autumn Amethyst' with 'Lemon . Deciduous Azaleas are in the subgenus Pentanthera, Evergreen Azaleas are in the subgenus Tsustusti. Most azalea flowers are funnel-form. Many series (types) of hybrid deciduous azaleas were developed in … However, it is the deciduous forest plants that mesmerize us with their ever-changing hues and growth pattern. There are 16 types of azaleas that are native to North America, and of these 16, all are deciduous shrubs. Evergreen forms are more compact than deciduous types, creating low growing mounds that are densely packed with blooms. Some deciduous azaleas are very cold hardy and some tolerate heat and humidity. The azaleas native to this continent are deciduous, but most evergreen azaleas originated in Asia. Unlike rhododendrons, azalea flowers usually have five stamens, rather than ten, and while there are some evergreen varieties, most are often deciduous. Azalea is one of the most coveted flowering shrub varieties. Three main evergreen cultivar groups include: Kaempferi azaleas. Height to 4ft (1.2m), spread to 5ft (1.5m). Pin. Gracing woodland gardens and shrub borders with their magnificent flowers, Azaleas and Rhododendrons are popular ornamental shrubs for gardens of all sizes. Some deciduous azaleas are cold-hardy to Zone 3 (-40°F), while many more are cold-hardy to Zone 5 (-20°F) and warmer. The shrub remains bare through the winter and regrows a new set of leaves the following spring. There are deciduous and evergreen varieties of azaleas, and they produce vibrant blooms in varying shades of color. The evergreen types of azalea are the more popular types for residential areas. Successful hybridization of deciduous azaleas was initiated in the 1820's by a Belgian baker living in Ghent. Successful hybridization of deciduous azaleas was initiated in the 1820's by Mr. P. Mortier, a baker living in Ghent, Belgium. North American azaleas are deciduous and produce two types of buds. Evergreen azaleas maintain some of their leaves throughout the year, while deciduous azaleas lose their leaves in autumn. Deciduous types offer virtually no interest in the winter landscape. The Arboretum is home to over 1000 specimens from the genus Rhododendron. The Earth is covered with many types of vegetation, from evergreen forests to desert vegetation. Many deciduous azaleas are late flowering so extend the season. Evergreen azaleas are dense, usually shapely plants; heading back the occasional wayward branch restores symmetry. The different types of azaleas vary widely in cold hardiness, sun tolerance, color, size, shape and bloom dates. Here are 10 popular types of azaleas to grow in the garden. Evergreen Azaleas. Kurume azaleas. Some azaleas are very difficult to grow and others are easy so it is very important to select your azalea carefully. All azaleas native of North America are deciduous, which means they lose their leaves in the fall. Azaleas have five stamens; leaves do not have scales and often are covered with hairs. We deal with the deciduous ‘Mollis Azaleas ‘ separately. Thus the leaves are dimorphic (two types), each type lasting just long enough to keep the evergreen appearance of the azalea in distinct contrast to the deciduous types of azaleas that lose all foliage during late fall and winter. 1. Several deciduous azaleas are native to North America; others originated in Eastern Europe, Japan, China and Korea. In fact, there are over 10,000 different types with many hundreds of different species. The Southeastern United States is home to more types of deciduous azaleas than the rest of the world combined, and the center of that diversity lies just east of Auburn in Georgia. True rhododendron flowers tend to be bell-shaped. Deciduous azaleas shed all of their leaves in late fall before cold winter temperatures set in. Different Types of Azaleas Azaleas are staples in most gardens because they can survive in various conditions. Their abundance and variety of flowers make these plants a prized possession. 15 Different Types of Azaleas For Your Garden. by John Haryasz. True rhododendrons are usually evergreen (there are exceptions). Plants Shrubs Garden Types Outdoor Rooms Home Tours Biltmore Estate Azaleas The 15-acre Biltmore Estate azalea garden began in 1940 when estate superintendent Chauncey Beadle bequeathed his entire collection of azaleas—which he referred to as his children and considered the definitive American shrub—to the estate. Hybrid deciduous Azaleas often have a fragrance to match their beautiful, warm, (usually yellow or orange) colored flowers. Deciduous azaleas have a stronger root system and will tolerate poorer conditions and a slightly higher pH than other rhododendrons. There are both deciduous and evergreen rhododendrons. While often mistaken for rhododendrons, azaleas are generally smaller in size. Deciduous Azaleas are tolerant of semi shaded positions, but are at their best if planted in full sun. Here is a list of Azaleas and Rhododendrons with unusual charm in terms of fall color. Aromi azaleas have large, fragrant flowers that bloom early in the season. Azaleas grow well in hardiness zones 6 through 10, but some varieties can tolerate lower temperatures in zones 3 and 4 if they're well-protected. The deciduous azaleas have slightly more subtle colours – but no less spectacular – ranging from white through creams to rich golden yellow or orange, or from pink through to deepest red. Climatic conditions, cultural conditions, and the genetics of each plant all affect the amount of foliage retained. The plants from this series are known as the Ghent Azaleas. Deciduous types are more sun-tolerant than evergreen types (although, in the South, you will still want to be careful not to give them excessive sunlight). Azaleas one stamen per flower lobe - Rhododendrons have two stamens per lobe. In other words, where species azaleas grow from seeds, the only way to reproduce a hybrid is from cuttings. Another key different between azaleas and other plants which share their genus is that the azalea has deciduous leaves, while other rhododendrons or “rhodies” are … 12 Different Types of Azaleas And Why They’re Good For Your Garden Deciduous/Hybrid Azaleas. Share. Many species of deciduous azaleas are native to the east, southeast and south and one species grows wild in the west. Experts debate over what defines and azalea as separate from rhododendrons. 3. Most deciduous Azaleas have glorious fall colors, extending the season of interest of your flowering shrubs. Plant them in full sun or part day shade. Prune deciduous azaleas while they are dormant and leafless. If space allows, they are at their best when planted in bold groups and with a mix of varieties. Let us learn more about these enchanting forest plants. Deciduous and hybrid azaleas are broken down into two main categories, as described below. There are almost 10,000 types of Azaleas and they can grow almost anywhere.