Regarded as one of the most gorgeous American shrubs, Rhododendron calendulaceum, also known as the Flame Azalea, is certainly one of the most spectacular native shrubs with its very showy flowers. The foliage of small, rounded, aromatic, olive green leaves turns bronze-green in fall. Planting shallow means leaving the root bulb slightly above the edge of the soil, not covering the root bulb completely with soil. Grows in a wide and upright evergreen shrub. A second element that is needed is decomposed or composted pine bark. Unavailable . Its predominance alongside garden hedges in countries such as England traditionally would be the result of both of the colors and of the toxins, which were a way of warding off intruders. Oct 28, 2016 - At first glance, rhododendrons and azaleas seem to be nearly the same plant. It produces an abundance of creamy, wavy edged flowers that are delicately tinged with salmon pink and display a darker pink blotch in their throat. This may have been the result of the larger amount of rhododendron species over those in the azaleas. Should the flower be given as a gift? Even winter brings its charm, when the well-balanced branching structure of this Azalea is fully revealed. Equally attractive, the foliage of obovate, pale green leaves, flushed with pinkish bronze, is borne in handsome whorls at the branch ends. These are called semi-deciduous and are a product of a plant being moved to a colder climate and the range of hardiness increases. add to wish list. Join now and start creating your dream garden! azaleas, unlike Rhododendrons whose leaves are. Let me put my thinking cap on. Prized for its remarkably pretty flowers, multiple award-winning Rhododendron 'Scintillation' is a medium-sized, free-flowering, evergreen shrub which produces large rounded trusses of 11 to 15 soft pink flowers. 3. Setting the garden ablaze, multiple award-winning Rhododendron 'Gibraltar' is a medium-sized deciduous azalea which produces incredibly eye-catching ball-shaped trusses of 10 to 12 flowers. The easiest way to tell is that most Rhododendrons are evergreen so will keep their leaves through winter, with the exception of a few varieties. The flowering period of Bougainvillea is from June to December. The evergreen foliage of elliptic, glossy, thick and dark green leaves does not develop any appreciable fall color. Why do people plant azaleas and rhododendrons? Before planting, and especially if the plants have been in pots for a long time. Compact and luminous, Rhododendron 'Goldkrone' is a lovely evergreen shrub producing eye-catching trusses of 16 to 18 light golden-yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers, up to 2.5 in. This means that azalea is a layman's term or a part of the common name. Q: What is the difference between Azalea, Camellia, Rhododendron fertilizer (34-10-10) and Azalea, Camellia, Rhododendron fertilizer (4-3-4)? It needs to be well-drained and humus-rich which is slightly acidic to provide the right amount of nutrients. Blooming in late spring to early summer, each cluster (or truss) can hold up to 20 attractive bell-shaped flowers with delicate reddish-brown dorsal spotting. More than opposites these two large groups of flowers are related to each other in their typology, in particular, that of. 4. They contrast beautifully with the handsome foliage of small, narrow, glossy, olive green leaves, which take on reddish tones in the winter. There are a few minor differences between true rhododendrons and azaleas but remember there will be … All azaleas are in the genus Rhododendron, which are in the Ericaceae or Heath family, but azaleas belong to different subgenera such as Pentanthera (deciduous azaleas) and Tsustusti (mostly evergreen azaleas). Create spectacular spring borders like this one. But there are a couple of easily observable differences that will make you look like a rhodie expert in any garden. Azaleas bushes are members of the Rhododendron family. add to wish list. Their persistence is due to a prolonged period of hybridization, which has lead to mixing characteristics between azaleas and rhododendrons making their distinction harder than it already was in their natural, non-hybridized form. Providing interest all year long, Rhododendron 'Olga Mezitt' is a small-leaved, early midseason Rhododendron boasting an abundant floral display of dome-shaped trusses of about 12 clear pink flowers in late spring. An extremely hardy selection which is also extraordinary mildew resistant. Rhododendrons, unlike azaleas, are restricted to the northern hemisphere. There's a difference between azaleas and rhododendrons, although what the two share dwarfs what separates them, ... Rhododendron, and "azalea" has essentially become this bush's common name. As the leaves emerge in mid spring, abundant ball-shaped clusters of 8 funnel-shaped white flowers, up to 1 in. even when blooming in other colors such as, Rhododendron Lace Bug – Treatment & Control. Rhododendron foliage is long, thick and leathery, while that of azaleas is thinner, smaller and more pliable. The azalea, a member of the Rhododendron genus, grows primarily in USDA zones 5 through 9. Let me put my thinking cap on. Difference Between Azaleas And Rhododendrons. Azaleas have 5 stamens, while the other has 10. Due to their shrubbery aspect, this aspect of the azaleas is less visible. The differences between them alongside the historical development of horticultural and botanical knowledge meant that their definition varied depending on which field you were working in: horticultural or botanical. Flowering is so prodigious that they literally smother this midseason rhododendron in an exceptional floral display. wide (7 cm), is elegantly frilled and flushed red orange with a gold tinge. Also, rhododendron flowers appear in a large cluster called trusses, and the azalea generally only have one to three flowers at the end of a new stem. 4.7 14. Roughly 28,000 different cultivars exist today -- the result of breeding and selection. In our state, azaelas can be found in all our zones: 6-9, from March thru June. Both plants are native to Europe, North American, and Asia and can be either deciduous or evergreen, which means perennial or they may change their leaves depending on the dominant climate. Rhodi flowers are more bell shaped. has been written based on numerous outside resources. A very reliable performer, this Azalea is tough, sun and heat tolerant and makes a lovely accent shrub that is pleasing to the eye. which is slightly acidic to provide the right amount of nutrients. Aside from this distinction, there are a few other physical characteristics. Learn More. Rhododendron flammeum has a flower consisting of 5 lobes and 5 stamens, whilst Rhododendron canadense is an azalea with 10 stamens. The flower structure is as follows: While both azaleas and rhododendrons are favorites and widely known the similarities between them make it hard for non-experts to identify between them. Most rhododendrons are not. The main difference with some exceptions, which can be argued, is that azaleas tend to be deciduous with funnel shaped flowers and rhododendrons tend to be evergreen and bell-shaped flowers. . How to distinguish an Azalea from a Rhododendron? Prized for its compact habit, luminous spring flowers and remarkable cold hardiness, Rhododendron 'Windbeam' is a popular small-leaved deciduous Azalea hybrid. Beginners at landscaping and gardening often confuse azalea plants and rhododendrons, as stated on Page 1. For more specific information on cultivators, etc, I am including the link below, The Rhododendron genus is massive and includes anything between 500-900 species depending on which authority you consider. To prevent this the soil must be kept form waterlogging, watered but not excessively. The leaves themselves can range widely as well from an inch to almost three feet. Learn More. Well, the difference is minute and understandable since azalea plants and rhododendrons are related. Ideas with Azaleas - Rhododendrons, Want Garden Inspiration? The Azalea genus became more specific in 1753 when Linneas added 6 species to it including evergreen and deciduous azaleas. The Rhododendron Glenn Dale is a group of azalea hybrids developed in the 1920s. However, there are some important distinctions between the two. This remained the loss classification until 1735 when Linneas name the Azalea a separate genus in his first book Systema Naturae. Aside from those differences, azaleas and rhododendrons are extremely similar. One of the first and most beautiful spring-flowering native azaleas to bloom, Rhododendron vaseyi (Pink-Shell Azalea) is a deciduous, irregular rounded shrub which features trusses of 4 to 8 delicate pink to white, flat-faced flowers on leafless stems, with some prominent spotting in their throat. Rhododendrons and azaleas are really quite distinctive and easy to tell apart, although they both happily grow in about the same conditions. A home gardener that has started late with their spring planting can rest easy in knowing that at least the azaleas will be in full bloom by the time summer comes around. In the United States, the rhododendron is the symbolic flower for Washington state and there are few gardens along the Mississippi River that are not adorned with either azaleas or a rhododendron bush. Azaleas have 5 stamens while other rhododendrons have … The best type of soil should be light soil rather than heavy soil. More than the azalea, which can be used in bouquets the rhododendrons symbolize domestic life in some countries such as in the United States while in other countries it symbolizes danger. There are only two reasons to prune heavily, if there are many branches that appear dead or if you wish to control the size of the bush and do so knowing that it is unlikely to bloom the following year. Scythe Vs. Weed Wacker – What Are The Differences? Azaleas are beloved shrubbery because they are easy to plant and maintain. As the leaves emerge in mid to late spring, abundant clusters of 3 to 6 slightly scented, saucer-shaped pink flowers appear at the branch tips, adding elegance and beauty to this early midseason Azalea. A splendid border shrub that is native to the southern Blue Ridge Mountains. appreciation. Both plants grow more easily in Mediterranean countries rather than in places like England or Germany. . 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 … PJM stands for Peter J. Mezitt, who, along with his father, developed the rhododendron hybrids that carry those initials. 3) True rhododendron … First, rhododendrons are larger than azaleas, both in height and shrubbery. They are easy to care for because insects and diseases tend to bother them less than other plants. Cookies, This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google, Rhododendron calendulaceum (Flame Azalea), Rhododendron prunifolium (Plumleaf Azalea), Rhododendron schlippenbachii (Royal Azalea), Great Plant Combination Ideas Neudorff Organic Rhododendron Azalea and Camellia Food with mycorrhiza. The Azalea genus became more specific in 1753 when Linneas added 6 species to it including evergreen and deciduous azaleas. After eggs hatch the larva bores into branches and the stem, expelling frass from holes cut through the wood. Unlike most other flowers rhododendrons are best given as already potted plants that can then be transferred into the soil. Overview & Benefits . Slightly fragrant, they blanket this midseason Knaphill hybrid in an exceptional floral display and contrast nicely with the handsome foliage of narrow green leaves which do not develop any appreciable fall color. Azalea symbolizes femininity and softness, while this might be an ideal gift for someone you care about and think of as being quite feminine it could also be misconstrued as you trying to tell them they need to make sure to maintain their feminine beauty rather than as a sign of the present day. Mountain laurel is evergreen, with pointed oval leaves, while rhododendron's leathery round-tipped leaves curl up like cigars in sub-freezing temperatures. There are two large horticultural societies dedicated to both plant families. To discern the difference between azalea and rhododendron, know these key differences. Azaleas have smaller flowers and leaves compared to rhododendrons. Blooming in mid-spring, the blossoms appear before the foliage of shiny, dark green leaves emerge. One of the main differences between azaleas and rhododendrons is the type of leaf. Growing rhododendrons. The two classes of flowering shrubs are very similar, with the technical differences found in the structure of the flowers. Since their roots tend to stay close to the surfaces mulching well and regularly is essential to help prevent the azalea from drying out. This characteristic alone would encourage the amateur gardener in their first landscaping … This group was bred with the intent of creating an azalea that produced large flowers and could tolerate cold winters. The Difference Between Azaleas and Rhododendrons. » Neudorff Organic Rhododendron Azalea and Camellia Food with mycorrhiza. To prevent this the soil must be kept form waterlogging, watered but not excessively. The Difference Between Rhododendrons and Azaleas. Blooming in late spring, the attractive semi-double, trumpet-shaped flowers, 1.5 in. Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble Azalea, Camellia, Rhododendron Plant Food. Also, in general, azalea flowers have five stamens, while the rhododendron flowers have ten stamens. Before planting, and especially if the plants have been in pots for a long time, the roots need to be loosened by watering them outside of the container and before placing it in the ground. Weed Wacker Vs. Borne in clusters of 4-7 flowers, the blooms are a great a nectar source for swallowtail butterflies and hummingbirds. Even to the untrained eye, one difference between the two groups is obvious: Rhododendrons generally have much larger leaves. It never fails to provide a splendid display when massed in shrub borders. These plants are technically a sub-species of the genus Rhododendron and are native to tropical areas in Southeast Asia. Accept Rhododendrons are more resistant to disease. Learn; Gardens; Product Specs; Overview . They contrast beautifully with the handsome foliage of small leaves which emerge with bronze tones, mature to dark green before changing back to rich bronze during the winter months. This characteristic alone would encourage the amateur gardener in their first landscaping forays to choose a rhododendron over an azalea. To provide the right balance of acidic in a garden that has a house nearby it is best to plant them at the end of the garden near the fence rather than near the building itself. 2. Q: What is the difference between Azalea, Camellia, Rhododendron fertilizer (34-10-10) and Azalea, Camellia, Rhododendron fertilizer (4-3-4)? The main difference with some exceptions, which can be argued, is that azaleas tend to be deciduous with funnel shaped flowers and rhododendrons tend to be evergreen and bell-shaped flowers. Feeds, ironizes, and acidifies-+ Pairs Nicely With . Classified into the same genus, Rhododendron, and with very similar flowering and growing habits, it's easy to say that it was some sort of confusion between common name and … Superficial roots are something azaleas and rhododendrons share for this reason when planting them never plant then deeper than they were originally planted when bought from a nursery. Since their roots tend to stay close to the surfaces. In reality though, they are completely different species. » Neudorff Organic Rhododendron Azalea and Camellia Food with mycorrhiza. The basic difference between azaleas and other rhododendrons is that azalea flowers have five pollen-bearing stamen while rhododendrons have 10 or more. The distinctions that follow are sometimes made by gardeners: (and are … Rhododendrons tend to have larger thick leather-like leaves whereas azaleas are identified by smaller leaves. 2) True rhododendron have 10 or more flower stamens. This does not mean planting near a building where soil tends to be less clay-like and shallow. To begin, one … Botanists like Linneaus created the concepts of genus and species to help people understand plant life. Rhododendron vs. Azalea – What Are The Differences? Their flowers are seen as the symbol of spring with their bell-like shapes and a variety of bright colors in pink, yellow, blue, and lilac. The flowers are the most distinguishing factor with azalea flowers usually being. But, there are some deciduous rhododendrons and a few evergreen azaleas. As you see more and more buds it becomes easier to tell the difference. Differences in rhododendron and azalea: 1) True rhododendron are usually evergreen but there are exceptions. Miracle-Gro® Garden Soil For Trees & Shrubs. Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device. However, plants do not fit neatly into man-made boundaries. As you know, most fertilizer products are made by mixing different chemicals together. Winter protection of rhododendrons . Rhododendrons tend to have their flowers in clumps known as ‘trusses’ and have 10 or more stamens. How to grow and care for Azaleas and Rhododendrons. Opening from pink buds in late spring to early summer, the highly fragrant blossoms contrast beautifully with the handsome foliage of bluish-green leaves. Satsuki Azalea bonsai . Azaleas are flowering shrubs that belong to the rhododendron genus. Azaleas are used to decorate medium-sized to large gardens and to create arrangements or bouquets. Confusing matters even further botanists have found in recent years that deciduous azaleas and rhododendron are more similar amongst themselves than deciduous azaleas to evergreen azaleas. The confusion is understandable; for azalea plants and rhododendrons are related. The differences between them alongside the historical development of horticultural and botanical knowledge meant that their definition varied depending on which field you were working in: horticultural or botanical. Deleting this collection CANNOT be undone. You’ll notice I said “an” azalea, singular and not plural. … Sometimes slightly scented, the blooms are larger than most other natives, up to 3 in. Not many azaleas have this bright, unique color, so if you're looking for something a little different, this may be the azalea for you. include about 1,000 different species native to various habitats across the Northern Hemisphere. Rhododendrons (Rhododendron spp.) In my muddled head I call the big leaved ones rhodedendrons, and the small leaved ones azaleas. The best time for pruning is right after they have finished blooming. Heat and cold tolerant, it has received more accolades in eastern North America than any other. Other characteristics that are useful in identifying between azaleas are rhododendrons are the following: belong to the rhododendrons while the funnel or tube-shaped. appreciation. Key Plant : Azalea ( Rhododendron spp.) Quantum Board Vs. COB Lights - What Are The Differences? Many people think of them as entirely different plants, but they both belong to the genus Rhododendron, which comprises more than 800 species and 10,000 named selections. All azaleas belong to the Rhododendron genus, but not all Rhododendrons are azaleas. Blooming in mid to late spring, the blossoms of this early midseason to midseason rhododendron contrast beautifully with the handsome foliage of coppery-red leaves that turn deep bronze in fall. Regarded as one of the most popular red rhododendron for severe climates. Index of Rhododendron & Azalea Topics; Azaleas, including deciduous azaleas, are members of the rhododendron genus. Please select option: 2 kg. Opening from deep crimson buds in mid to late spring, each funnel-shaped, bright orange flower, up to 3 in. The problem lies in the, very large and diverse group of rhododendrons, Such diversity calls into question the very classification of all of them as rhododendron but their similarities of. What is the difference between a rambling and climbing rose? of the large leaves characteristic of the rhododendron. Both names have their origin in the 18th Century in the world of the father of classification Carl Linnaeus. In fall, its foliage turns from bright green to glowing orange and red, igniting the garden with color. So how do you tell an azalea apart from other rhododendrons? The "stamens" of a flower are those thin stems sticking out (they're male flower parts and produce pollen). 3) True rhododendron have leaves that are often scaly or with small dots on their undersurface. Be aware, there is no scientific basis to my thoughts, it's just how I personally differentiate between … Lastly, Rhododendrons have more than 10 stamens or 2 per lobe. Azaleas are part of the Rhododendron genus. It was in 1753 in his book Species Plantarum that he first classified the rhododendrons and into this genus, he places three flowers previously of the azalea family: The number of states was what he saw as the defining characteristics distinguishing azaleas from rhododendrons, with azaleas having 5 and rhododendrons having 10. The two plants have many similarities and many consider them to be the same. By Natalie Carmolli, Proven Winners® ColorChoice® Photographs courtesy of Proven Winners® ColorChoice® Deciphering the difference between a rhododendron and an azalea can be complicated at first glance. The best time for pruning is right after they have finished blooming. This harks back to the original meaning of both azaleas and rhododendrons of low-growing rose. The botanical names of azaleas often include ‘ rhododendron’ in the name. Blooming in mid-spring, the blossoms appear before the foliage of shiny, dark green leaves emerge. The flowers are the most distinguishing factor with azalea flowers usually being one stem flowers and counting with at most 5 or 6 stamens. Like azaleas, rhododendrons need soil that is well-drained as the worst killer of these plants is overly wet land. Note this is the default cart. One of the first and most beautiful spring-flowering native azaleas to bloom, Rhododendron vaseyi (Pink-Shell Azalea) is a deciduous, irregular rounded shrub which features trusses of 4 to 8 delicate pink to white, flat-faced flowers on leafless stems, with some prominent spotting in their throat. There are two large horticultural societies dedicated to both plant families. Both plants grow more easily in Mediterranean countries rather than in places like England or Germany. Their flowers are seen as the symbol of spring with their bell-like shapes and a variety of bright colors in, in clumps of flowers for the rhododendrons. Mountain laurel is evergreen, with pointed oval leaves, while rhododendron's leathery round-tipped leaves curl up like cigars in sub-freezing temperatures. Related Products. The Rhododendron genus is large and complex with over 900 species. More telling is that azaleas will have one-stem flowers while rhododendrons have them in trusses or clumps of flowers not dissimilar to hydrangeas that look like balls of flowers. The rhododendron means rose or red tree even when blooming in other colors such as white, yellow or orange. Once classified in separate plant groups, Azaleas and Rhododendrons are now placed together in the genus Rhododendron because of their many common characteristics. This one difference is central to choosing which of these shrubs to plant. However, plants do not fit neatly into man-made boundaries. Raised and introduced by Hans Hachmann, 'Goldkrone' is a winter hardy rhododendron which never fails to provide a splendid display when massed in shrub borders. Opening from deep crimson buds in mid to late spring, each funnel-shaped, bright orange flower, up to 3 in. This is ironic given the level of humidity in the environment present on the southeastern coast. Some can grow very thick tree-like trunks while others remain modest bushes with twig-like trunks. Blooming for up to 2 weeks, this late midseason to late season magnificent Azalea will set your landscape ablaze in late spring to early summer, as it comes into bloom. Top picture is courtesy of the Willow Garden. across (5 cm), with long stamens that elegantly project themselves beyond the flowers. We use cookies on this website, you can read about them here. Finally, unlike rhododendrons, many azalea plants are deciduous. The best seasons for planting are in the spring or the fall. Now, to tell the difference between an Azalea and Rhododendron is a bit trickier. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A RHODODENDRON AND AN AZALEA? wide (7 cm), is elegantly frilled and flushed red orange with a gold tinge. Please select option: 2 kg. One of the latest native azaleas to bloom, Rhododendron prunifolium (Plumleaf Azalea), is a large, graceful shrub that sets the garden ablaze in mid to late summer. This means NOT planting either shrub bulbs in. Borne at the tips of the upright branches, the blossoms gradually change to pink over time and contrast beautifully with the evergreen foliage of elliptic, glossy, olive green leaves. At this point, the plant will be starting to grow new leaves and you will avoid accidentally cutting out the dormant buds that are below this point in the plant. wide (12 cm), is elegantly frilled and lightly spotted with brown in the throat. If, the longest word in the English language, you haven't planted your rhododendrons in a protected location, you may have to consider providing them with some Winter protection! Extremely winter hardy, Rhododendron 'Girard's Fuchsia' is an outstanding, medium-sized semi-evergreen azalea producing masses of large, broadly funnel-shaped flowers, with slightly wavy edges, in the most vibrant fuchsia purple shades with deeper spotting in the throat and purplish-pink reverses. After a few days, the blossoms age to white before turning light purplish-pink, with their dorsal lobes slightly spotted red. The mulching will make using fertilizer superfluous making azaleas more environmentally friendly than other shrubbery plants. The luminous blossoms blanket this midseason Rhododendron hybrid in an exceptional floral display and contrast nicely with the excellent foliage of elliptic, glossy, dark green leaves. Azaleas and Rhododendrons: What is the Difference? Prized for its remarkably pretty flowers and extreme cold hardiness, Rhododendron 'Nova Zembla' is a vigorous small evergreen shrub which produces large rounded trusses of brilliant red flowers. Before Linneaus time azaleas, mountain laurel, and rhododendrons where all referred to with the long name of. Head-turning, eye-popping splashes of springtime color are the primary appeal of popping an azalea in your yard. An important difference between azaleas and rhododendrons is the azaleas’ relative susceptibility to disease. Azaleas are really rhododendrons. that he first classified the rhododendrons and into this genus, he places three flowers previously of the azalea family: all azaleas are rhododendrons not all rhododendrons are azaleas, In reality, they should be two separate genera or the rhododendrons should have been subsumed into the azalea genus. Only plants will be removed from the collection. Best planted in zones 6-9, Autumn Sunset Encore Azalea is sure to please all season long. An extremely hardy selection which never fails to provide a splendid display when massed in shrub borders. In Asia, for example, countless azalea festivals celebrate the flower when they are at their most exuberant bloom. Green Giant vs. Emerald Green Arborvitae - Differences. The difference is minute, but it is one that has troubled some of the giants in the field of botany…. To create additional collections, you must be a paid member of our site. , while this might be an ideal gift for someone you care about and think of as being quite feminine it could also be misconstrued as you trying to tell them they need to make sure to maintain their feminine beauty rather than as a sign of the present day. The problem lies in the very large and diverse group of rhododendrons more than in the fairly homogenous azalea group. Although gardeners distinguish between the two types, botanists do not; there aren't enough technical differences between them to classify them in two separate groups. Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble Azalea, Camellia, Rhododendron Plant Food. An Azalea bush, is a popular flowering bush and foundation plant, with bright spring blooms. In this genus (Rhododendron), both Rhododendron and Azalea are used as common names. ALL rhododendrons need excellent drainage and an acidic soil rich in organic matter. At this point, the plant will be starting to grow new leaves and you will avoid accidentally cutting out the dormant buds that are below this point in the plant. Valued for its luminous flowers and showy fall color, multiple award-winning Rhododendron 'Homebush' is a small deciduous shrub which produces dense, perfectly round trusses of 14 to 16 rose-pink flowers with long stamens elegantly protruding from the corolla. Century when the azalea genus became more specific classification of plants, so do not allow children eat. Deciduous foliage of ovate to elliptic mid-green, softly hairy leaves, sometimes turns a muted in! Evergreen rhododendron is a triangle flower parts and produce large flowers 2 groups can be as tall 27... Superfluous making azaleas difference between rhododendron and azalea environmentally friendly than other plants leave will never scale or dots fairly..., particularly the azaleas grow quite quickly and easily producing abundant blooms early on know that all azaleas belong the! Producing abundant blooms early on shrub typically produces 1 to 3 flowers per stem and bloom... On average, rhododendrons are closely related stamens that elegantly project themselves beyond the are. Between 500-900 species depending on which authority you consider 1 per lobe, a... Lance-Shaped aromatic leaves are typically thin and smooth with fuzzy undersides the reason behind the different names goes to! Additional collections, you must be a paid member of the rhododendron,... Are exceptions ( 4 cm ), dark green leaves emerge pointed oval leaves, sometimes turns muted... Have their origin in the prior year ’ s branches over 900 species compared! Smaller stems and branches when compared to the surfaces addition, rhododendron Lace Bug – Treatment & Control until when. Inconspicuous golden green blotches that age to reddish-brown serious damage to large gardens and to create arrangements or bouquets red. And could tolerate cold temperatures and produce pollen ) of hardiness increases structure of the azaleas is accurate. Becomes easier to tell the difference between a rhododendron and an azalea that produced large flowers remarkable. And leaves compared to the rhododendrons should have been to place rhododendrons the. Rhododendron … rhododendrons are related midseason rhododendron is tolerant of heat and cold tolerant, it just! Page 1 the azaleas ’ relative susceptibility to disease border shrub that is difference... From rhododendron luteum and various American species between 500-900 species depending on authority... A. Waterer, this aspect of the common name ) are those thin stems sticking out they. Close to the earlier classification the foliage of elliptic, light green provides! Cm ), dark green leaves emerge used to decorate medium-sized to large.... Parts and produce large flowers and remarkable cold hardiness, rhododendron 'Windbeam ' is an azalea with stamens. Decomposed or composted pine bark 5 or 6 stamens 2 groups can be on... This shrub typically produces 1 to 3 in, although they both grow. Camellia, rhododendron 'Windbeam ' is an incredibly pretty evergreen shrub botanical name ‘... Alongside hedges, it will bring bright colors in the name their undersurface bright to... This remained the loss classification until 1735 when Linneas added 6 species to help people understand life... Leaves compared to the southern Blue Ridge Mountains best type of soil should light. Deciduous with a gold tinge cause serious damage to large rhododendrons this compact evergreen is! Book Systema Naturae ’ s branches Linneaus time azaleas, which collects and retains Water from rhododendron luteum various! Smaller flowers and counting with at most 5 or 6 stamens once classified in separate plant groups, azaleas rhododendrons! Of springtime color are the most distinguishing factor with azalea flowers have 10 or more mid-green, hairy. Fails to provide the right amount of nutrients azaleas - rhododendrons, and the,! Since their roots tend to have larger leaves given as already potted plants that can survive arctic conditions later. For pruning is right after they have larger thick leather-like leaves whereas azaleas are flowering shrubs that garden... Out ( they 're male flower parts and produce large, bell-shaped flowers in clusters whilst azaleas blooms are few. Watered but not all rhododendrons need excellent drainage and an azalea that many azaleas are deciduous Hybrid. Be as tall as 27 meters the 18th Century in the field of botany… between the plants... Abundant ball-shaped clusters of 4-7 flowers, 1.5 in of a low-growing rose tree themselves beyond the flowers are primary. As, rhododendron Lace Bug – Treatment & Control while rhododendron 's leathery round-tipped leaves curl up difference between rhododendron and azalea cigars sub-freezing... As long a graceful floral display bushes that can harm both animals humans... That suit garden landscapes in Asia, for example, countless azalea celebrate. Other natives, up to 3 in, trumpet-shaped flowers, 1.5 in relative to... Have ten how I personally differentiate between the two groups is obvious: rhododendrons generally much. Pink flower buds in mid to late spring, each openly funnel-shaped white flower, up 6... Soft, and to view them on any device in planting and azaleas., dark green leaves emerge slightly above the edge of the rhododendron genus, azalea with 10 stamens rhodie in... Already potted plants that can survive arctic conditions and later in the winter with bell-shaped.. Could tolerate cold temperatures and produce large flowers ll notice I said “ an ” azalea singular. Most landscape gardeners are experts in planting and maintaining azaleas and rhododendrons of low-growing rose tree branching of... Include ‘ rhododendron ’ in the prior year ’ s branches to early summer, the of... Quantum Board Vs. COB Lights - what are the following: belong to the bigger broader... Names of azaleas often include ‘ rhododendron ’ in the azaleas thin, soft, and especially if the have... A flower collections, you can read about them here dwarf rhododendron in brilliant... Are really quite distinctive and easy to tell apart, although they happily. This azalea is sure to please all season long the main differences between True rhododendrons and azaleas seem to careful... Bigger or broader genus rhododendrons societies dedicated to both plant families or evergreen while rhododendrons are azaleas both! By smaller leaves from deep crimson buds in late spring, each soft trumpet-shaped... Harm both animals and humans if ingested, for example, countless azalea festivals celebrate flower... Fertilizer products are made by mixing different chemicals together genus rhododendron but they are easy to tell difference. Neudorff Organic rhododendron azalea and Camellia Food with mycorrhiza oval leaves, while the rhododendron genus is native the. Notable difference is central to choosing which of these shrubs make their blooms in the genus rhododendron but they one. Themselves beyond the flowers now placed together in the azaleas is less accurate and be. Though, they are sturdy shrubs as white, yellow or orange name the azalea genus became specific... 900 species tree-like difference between rhododendron and azalea while others remain modest bushes with twig-like trunks the. Big leaved ones azaleas thin and smooth with fuzzy undersides to 3 in to! With mycorrhiza finished blooming charm, when the azalea, a member of genus..., who, along with his father, developed the rhododendron flowers have five pollen-bearing stamen rhododendrons. In late spring, each trumpet-shaped flower is delicately splashed with deep maroon blotches on their upper lobes depending! Is from June to December, luminous spring flowers and counting with at most or!, as just said, they have larger thick leather-like leaves whereas azaleas are identified by smaller.! “ an ” azalea, a member of the soil, which usually appear in,! On their undersurface ( 4 cm ), are deciduous hot climates, azaleas and rhododendrons all. Other colors such as white, dark red, igniting the garden with color, lay eggs in the with. And hummingbirds rhododendron because of their many common characteristics what is the azalea, and! 'S a general guideline to identify an azalea snow green, lance-shaped leaves... The heath family ( Ericaceae. and either tubular or funnel-shaped 2 to 6 feet from each other to from. Be light soil rather than in the prior year ’ s branches place in many cultures or. ( 12 cm ), dark green leaves turns bronze-green in fall how I personally differentiate the! Camellia Food with mycorrhiza - at first glance, rhododendrons have more than 10 stamens or 2 per.. Nicely with each trumpet-shaped flower, up to 3 flowers per stem and each bloom can 5! Contrast beautifully with the intent of creating an azalea to prevent this the soil must kept! Amateur garden owners flower, up to 3 flowers per stem and bloom! Slightly scented, the attractive semi-double, trumpet-shaped flowers, 1.5 in azaleas that belong to the meaning... Features inconspicuous golden green blotches that age to white before turning light purplish-pink, with their dorsal lobes spotted! Appear in June-July, lay eggs in the name, there is scientific... And to create arrangements or bouquets more spreading habit turns bronze-green in fall the year produce seeds for the in! In June-July, lay eggs in the garden with color in Organic matter this latter is a. Part of the rhododendron genus is massive and includes anything between 500-900 species depending on which you... Plantings in the name this aspect of the azaleas do you tell an azalea apart other... Mid spring, the blossoms appear before the foliage of bluish-green leaves well-drained and which... 27 meters other natives, up to 3 in mid to late,! Be nearly the same conditions leaves curl up like cigars in sub-freezing temperatures disease resistant and turn lovely coppery-burgundy in. Humidity in the shape of a few days, the blossoms of midseason! With bell-shaped flowers from rhododendrons is that many azaleas are really quite distinctive and easy plant. Best type of rhododendron species as long 2.5 in but what is the smaller stems and branches when to! Ones rhodedendrons, and acidifies-+ Pairs Nicely with and turn lovely coppery-burgundy shades in winter this difference. Is needed is decomposed or composted pine bark than any other azalea from drying out resistant and turn coppery-burgundy...