Botanically speaking, azaleas and rhododendrons belong to the genus Rhododendron , with azaleas identified as a subspecies of the rhododendron family. According to botanists, there are not enough botanical differences between the two to classify them as two separate species.
What family is the azalea in?
Azalea, certain species of Rhododendron of the heath family (Ericaceae) , formerly placed in the genus Azalea. Many azaleas are grown as ornamentals for their showy flowers, and most of the cultivated varieties have been bred from species that are native to the hilly regions of Asia and North America.
What type of plant is azalea?
Azaleas /əˈzeɪliə/ are flowering shrubs in the genus Rhododendron , particularly the former sections Tsutsuji (evergreen) and Pentanthera (deciduous).
Is an azalea a shrub or flower?
An Azalea bush, is a popular flowering bush and foundation plant, with bright spring blooms. Azaleas bushes are members of the Rhododendron family. The biggest difference between the Rhododendron plant and an Azalea plant, is the Azalea is a deciduous bush. It sheds its leaves in the fall.
Is azalea a perennial?
Azaleas (Rhododendron spp.) ... If you give your azaleas acidic soil, shade and ample nutrients, they’ll return the favor by giving your garden the signature blooms that make them a perennial favorite. Azaleas grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 9.
Are azaleas poisonous to dogs?
#12 Azalea/Rhododendron
These common flowering shrubs are poisonous plants for dogs and produce serious gastrointestinal issues. They can additionally cause weakness, discoordination, and weak heart rate. Potentially fatal.
How long do azalea plants live?
Azalea bushes can live for 50 years with proper care. Azaleas are a subgenus of flowering shrubs that can grow up to 6 feet in height and produce numerous large flowers in colors of pink, purple, red or white. They bloom during the spring and can be deciduous or evergreen, depending on the species.
What can I plant instead of azaleas?
- Callicarpa americana (American beautyberry),
- Calycanthus floridus (eastern sweetshrub),
- Ceanothus americanus (New Jersey tea),
- Clethra alnifolia (coastal sweetpepperbush),
- Diervilla lonicera (northern bush honeysuckle),
Where is the best place to plant azaleas?
Where to Plant Azaleas. Select a location that has morning sun and afternoon shade, or filtered light . Hot all-day sun can stress the plants and make them more susceptible to pests. Azaleas also require well-drained, acidic soil.
Do azaleas like sun or shade?
Azaleas do well in full sun or part shade (about four hours of sun). Planted in full sun, azaleas will be more compact and floriferous. When planted in part shade, they will stretch toward the sunlight and form a more graceful habit; flowers will not be as plentiful but will last longer.
How do you keep azaleas blooming?
- Ensure the plants are getting enough sunlight.
- Deadhead spent blooms each year.
- Fertilize after blooming using a balanced fertilizer.
- Apply a layer of mulch and provide sufficient moisture to the plants.
- Protect the plants during harsh winters.
How long do azalea bushes bloom?
The indicas spot flower from autumn through winter , with their main flush in spring. Azaleas grow well in a range of climates from Brisbane to Perth, and further south to Melbourne. They thrive in a slightly acidic soil with good drainage. Azaleas look great planted en masse in a garden bed.
Do azalea bushes bloom all summer?
With some planning and plant hunting, you could enjoy these wonderful flowers almost all year long ! Azaleas and Rhododendrons are members of the genus Rhododendron, one of the largest genera in the plant world which includes over 900 species and over 20,000 named hybrids of Rhododendrons and Azaleas.
Do azaleas like coffee grounds?
Coffee grounds are highly acidic , they note, so they should be reserved for acid-loving plants like azaleas and blueberries. And if your soil is already high in nitrogen, the extra boost from coffee grounds could stunt the growth of fruits and flowers.
What to do with azaleas after flowering?
Unlike many other shrubs, azaleas and rhododendrons require no regular pruning , only the removal of any damaged or dead wood. Older plants can become leggy, if this happens hard pruning after flowering, followed by feeding and regular watering, will rejuvenate them and encourage new, vigorous growth.
What is the best time of year to plant azaleas?
The best time to plant azaleas is in spring and fall . Plant them in a sunny spot that gets a good amount of afternoon shade. When planting azaleas, fill the hole with a 50/50 blend of existing soil and Miracle-Gro® Garden Soil for Trees & Shrubs. Once planted, gently tamp the soil and water thoroughly.
