Are rhododendrons and azaleas closely related?
Before we examine the most popular types of azaleas, there is one important question to answer – how rhododendrons and azaleas differ. Azaleas are flowering shrubs that belong to the rhododendron genus. This means that azaleas and rhododendrons are closely related. The botanical names of azaleas often include ‘ rhododendron’ in the name.
Do rhododendrons need a lot of Sun?
The different types of rhododendron have different needs – something which may come as a surprise! As a general rule they like dappled shade. Placing them in the full sun can damage them, and full shade will impair the flower growth; you want something in between.
How to prune rhododendrons and azaleas?
The following links help narrow down the top-recommended products for your pruning tool kit:
- Pruners – Bypass pruners are the most popular choice for gardeners and a must in a pruner’s tool kit. ...
- Long-handled Loppers – These are similar to pruners but with long handles. ...
- Pruning Saw – Saws are useful for thick stems that are growing close together. ...
- Garden Gloves – Gardening gloves help keep hands clean and provide protection. ...
When to plant rhododendrons?
When To Plant Rhododendrons
- Mild climate – plant a rhododendron all year round
- Cold temperatures – plant early spring or early fall as a second choice
- Hot climates – plant your rhododendrons in the fall to allow their root system to establish during the cold months
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Is a Rhododendron in the azalea family?
HeathsRhododen...Rhododendron/Family
Are rhododendrons bigger than azaleas?
Other differences are: rhododendrons all are evergreen, while azaleas are either deciduous or evergreen; rhododendrons grow larger than azaleas and their blossoms and foliage also tend to be larger. Nevertheless, the botanical taxonomists have put both rhododendrons and azaleas in the same genus, Rhododendron.
What type of bush is an azalea?
RhododendronAzaleas /əˈzeɪliə/ are flowering shrubs in the genus Rhododendron, particularly the former sections Tsutsusi (evergreen) and Pentanthera (deciduous).
Can you plant rhododendrons and azaleas together?
Additionally, both of these shrubs prefer filtered light or afternoon shade. Rhododendrons and azaleas can often be found growing under the canopy of oaks or in the shade of pine. These trees also prefer acidic soils, making them ideal companions for azaleas and rhododendron.
Do rhododendrons stay green in winter?
Flowering rhododendron and azalea shrubs, both from the genus Rhododendron, have long been mainstays of the garden because their large leaves often stay green through winter, leading into bright clusters of flowers in the spring.
Do rhododendrons flower twice a year?
In general, however, it is common for most species of rhododendron and azalea, including hybrids, to bloom during the spring. Certain species can bloom throughout the entire summer, into the autumn and even into the winter months.
What is the difference between rhododendrons and azaleas?
Flowers — Azaleas have tubular or funnel-shaped flowers. Rhododendron flowers tend to be bell-shaped. Azaleas have one flower per stem but the shrub produces so many stems that the shrub appears covered in blossoms. Rhododendron flowers grow in round clusters at the ends of branches.
What is the prettiest azalea?
Encore Azalea is the best azalea you'll ever plant. Encore Azaleas are the world's best-selling re-blooming azalea with rich, colorful blooms in spring, summer and fall.
What are the big azaleas called?
17. Formosa. Bold, large, and showy, 'Formosa' flowers are a delightful lavender pink with magenta freckles and streaks on the upper petals. Flowering in early spring, they often rebloom throughout summer and fall.
Do rhododendrons like sun or shade?
Traditional rhododendrons thrive in filtered sunlight and acidic soil. Newer varieties can tolerate a range of sunlight conditions, but always check the plant tag or description when shopping to make sure the plant needs match your garden conditions.
Do rhododendrons spread?
Rhododendrons grow in all sizes and shapes - from low growing ground covers, to medium-sized shrubs, to tree-size plants. Some varieties naturally have a rounded, ball-shaped plant habit, others are open and spreading, while other rhododendrons have an upright growth habit.
Do rhododendrons take over?
It forms dense thickets and shades out native plants. If left uncontrolled, rhododendron will eventually dominate the habitat to the virtual exclusion of all other plant life. Its extensive root system and leaf litter is toxic to many other plants.
How big do rhododendrons get?
They usually grow from 3 to 8 feet tall and wide. For this story, rhododendrons refers to those plants with large, evergreen leaves up to 6 inches long. They get bigger than azaleas, 8 to 12 feet tall and wide (although I've seen our native Catawba rhododendrons towering 30 feet tall in the North Carolina mountains).
How big do azaleas get?
Some azaleas, including native types, reach towering heights of 20 feet or more. But home gardeners have many smaller options. Dwarf azaleas grow 2 to 3 feet tall, and many garden azaleas stay 4 to 6 feet in height. Select azaleas based on mature height and width, not their size when you buy them.
How fast do rhododendrons grow?
Some Rhododendrons will experience a fast growth rate (2 ft. per or 60 cm) while others will slowly grow less than 0.5 in. per year (1cm). If you choose plants that are the right size, to begin with, they are relatively maintenance-free.
How long does a rhododendron bloom?
Coveted for their spectacular blooms which come in a wide range of shapes and colors, Azaleas and Rhododendrons usually proudly display their colorful blooms in spring for about three weeks, depending on the weather.
What are the problems with rhododendrons?
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Rhododendrons are susceptible to insect and disease problems. Insect problems include aphids, borers, lacebugs, leafhoppers, mealybugs, mites, nematodes, scale, thrips and whitefly. Diseases include canker, crown rot, root rot, leaf spot, rust, and powdery mildew. Full sun can scorch the leaves and the roots rot if soil does not drain well. A healthy plant in the right place with proper maintenance should have few problems. This plant is frequently damaged by deer.
What is the best soil for a rhododendron?
Azaleas and Rhododendrons are woody, evergreen or deciduous, small to medium shrubs in the Ericaceae family. They prefer moist, well-drained, acidic soils and part to dappled shade. They do not tolerate dense clay, so if you have clay soils, amend with organic material. You can also plant the root ball high in the soil to help with drainage issues. They withstand pruning well after flowering and are low maintenance. It can be used as a houseplant or in the landscape as a woody shrub, it is at home as an understory shrub in a forest woodland or natural area.
What is the difference between rhododendrons and azaleas?
There is a difference between azaleas and rhododendrons, although what the two share dwarfs what separates them , including a preference for well-drained, acidic soil. There are great varieties of both of these spectacular flowering bushes, equally useful as specimens and in hedges.
What is the name of the rhododendron?
The genus of Rhododendron is in the heath family, which also includes its namesakes, the heathers ( Calluna vulgaris ), Andromeda ( Pieris japonica ), and mountain laurels ( Kalmia latifolia ). Most members of the heath family require acidic soil. When you have naturally acidic soil in your yard, it is a lot easier simply to grow acid-loving plants rather than trying to change the pH level.
How many stamens does an azalea have?
On average, rhododendrons are larger shrubs than azalea plants, and they have larger leaves. Also, azalea flowers usually have five stamens, while the rhododendron flowers have ten. The stamens of a flower are those thin stems sticking out (they are male flower parts and produce pollen).
What is the size of Stewartstonian azalea?
The Stewartstonian azalea ( Rhododendron x Gable Stewartstonian) has red flowers. It is an evergreen suited to zones 5 to 8. Its size is about 5 feet by 5 feet. It grows best in part shade. Apply an organic mulch to protect its shallow roots from water loss and extremes in soil temperature. 2
How tall is a catawba rhododendron?
Flowers can be white, lavender, rose, or red, a favorite of hummingbirds. Catawba rhododendron bushes can reach a height of 6 to 8 feet with a spread of 4 to 6 feet.
What is the botanical name of azalea?
So if you read the botanical name of a common azalea on a plant label at the nursery, you will likely see the word, " Rhododendron .". The genus of Rhododendron is in the heath family, which also includes its namesakes, the heathers ( Calluna vulgaris ), Andromeda ( Pieris japonica ), and mountain laurels ( Kalmia latifolia ).
How big does a golden oriole get?
Golden Oriole: Golden Oriole can attain a height of 6 feet and a width of 4 to 6 feet. Its flower buds are orange, but, when the buds open, the display is a bright, golden color.
About Rhododendrons & Azaleas
The clusters of flowers are tubular-, funnel-, or bell-shaped—and often fragrant as well as showy in late spring. The leaves of the smaller azalea are usually pointed and narrow; the leaves of the rhododendron are generally large and leathery.
Buying Plants
When shopping for rhododendron or azaleas, pay attention to when they flower. Early varieties can blossom in March, late ones into July or even the fall.
Choosing and Preparing a Planting Site
Most large-leafed varieties require dappled shade; avoid deep shade or full sun. A sunny spot that receives a few hours of shade is perfect. See regional guidelines below.
How to Care for Rhododendron & Azaleas
Mulch plants every spring with 2 to 5 inches of pine bark chips or pine needles to protect shallow roots and retain soil moisture. A lack of water reduces flower-bud formation. Tip: A common mistake is to create a so-called “mulch volcano,” where mulch is piled heavily around the trunk of the shrub.
Winter Care for Rhododendrons
Rhododendrons are shallow-rooted plants; in cold regions, apply several inches of organic mulch around the base. In regions with severe winters, wrap evergreen rhododendrons with burlap in the fall. Cold, dry winds will cause too much moisture evaporation from the leaves which will wither and die.
Pruning Rhododendron & Azaleas
In general, do not prune spring-flowering shrubs such as azaleas and rhododendrons. If you need to reduce height, prune after flowering in the spring.
What is the difference between azaleas and rhododendrons?
The thing to remember is all azaleas are rhododendrons but not all rhododendrons are Azaleas. Azaleas are in the genus Rhododendron.
How many stamens does an azalea have?
Rhodi flowers are more bell shaped. Lastly, Rhododendrons have more than 10 stamens or 2 per lobe. Azaleas usually have 5 stamens per lobe, and have 5 lobes in a flower.
Is an azalea a rhododendron?
All azaleas are R hododendrons but not all Rhododendrons are azaleas. Most Azaleas are deciduous, but true Rhododendrons are usually evergreen. Azaleas have funnel shaped flowers. Rhodi flowers tend to be bell-shaped.
Do azaleas lose leaves?
Most Azaleas are deciduous, meaning they will lose their leaves in the fall. Most Rhododendrons are evergreen (keep their leaves during winter), with the exceptions of R. mucronulatum and R. dauricum. Azaleas have appressed hairs which is hair parallel to the surface of the leaf.
How to tell the difference between rhododendrons and azaleas?
rhododendron, a hardy variety which is smallish ( three-to-five feet) like a typical azalea. It blooms early in spring like an azalea and has small leaves, but the foliage is leathery and evergreen, like rhododendron foliage. The shrub is completely covered with blossoms like an azalea, but it also bears clusters of blossoms in terminal groups like a rhododendron. The number of stamens, however, help identify the shrub as a rhododendron. The characteristics listed below may help you distinguish between the two plants. Bear in mind, however, that these are GENERAL characteristics only and may not hold true for every hybrid or species:
What family is an azalea?
Botanically speaking, azaleas and rhododendrons belong to the genus Rhododendron, with azaleas identified as a subspecies of the rhodo dendron family. According to botanists, there are not enough botanical differences between the two to classify them as two separate species. The American Rhododendron Society describes the plants this way: “All azaleas are rhododendrons but not all rhododendrons are azaleas.”
How many lobes does an az alea have?
Rhododendron flowers grow in round clusters at the ends of branches. Both az aleas and rhododendrons have five lobes per flower.
Why do azaleas turn brown in winter?
Location – choose a site sloping to the north or to the east in order to protect the plant from drying south or west winds. Winter winds tend to evaporate water from the leaves of evergreen azaleas and rhododendrons. If the ground is frozen, the water cannot be replaced. As a result, the leaves may be damaged and may turn brown.
Why are my azaleas turning brown?
As a result, the leaves may be damaged and may turn brown. Soil Preparation — Azaleas and rhododendrons have very delicate, shallow root systems and struggle to penetrate our heavy Virginia red clay. Dig the planting hole at least twice the width of the root ball but no deeper than the root ball.
What shrubs are in spring?
Few landscape shrubs are as widely celebrated and anticipated in the spring garden as azaleas and rhododendrons. Their showy, exuberant displays of color excite the senses and have a way of taking center stage in just about any landscape. If you watched the Masters Golf Tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, ...
Where are azaleas admired?
These plants are admired and revered in many countries and across many cultures. In the United States and in Asia, countless azalea festivals are timed to occur when the shrubs are at their showiest. At least two major horticultural societies are devoted to this family of plants. Just about every public botanical garden this side of the Mississippi and even beyond has an azalea and rhododendron collection.
Can azaleas be poisoned?
Serious poisoning is unlikely when small pieces of azalea or rhododendron are swallowed. But swallowing large amounts of any part of the plant or honey made from these flowering plants can cause life-threatening symptoms.
Is azalea a rhododendron?
Azaleas are very close relatives of rhododendrons and can cause the same type of toxicity. The toxic component of rhododendrons and azaleas can be found in very high concentrations in honey made by bees that feed on them. This usually occurs in dense populations of these plants, particularly in the Mediterranean region.
Risks
Habitat
- The genus of Rhododendron is in the heath family, which also includes its namesakes, the heathers (Calluna vulgaris), Andromeda (Pieris japonica), and mountain laurels (Kalmia latifolia). Most members of the heath family require acidic soil. When you have naturally acidic soil in your yard, it is a lot easier simply to grow acid-loving plants rather than trying to change th…
Morphology
- Keep in mind that there are also members of this genus that are just plain \"rhododendrons.\" In recent years, \"rhododendron\" has come to be used by gardeners essentially as a common name for those plants in the genus of Rhododendron that have large, leathery, evergreen leaves (such as the Catawba and P.J.M. ). The leaves on azalea plants tend to be smaller by comparison. Within …
Description
- The Catawba rhododendron variety (Rhododendron catawbiense) is a broadleaf, evergreen bush that has dark-green, leathery foliage, as well as spring flowers that are great for attracting hummingbirds.
Varieties
- Listed for USDA planting zones 4 to 8, these plants are native to the southern part of the Appalachians. New Englanders looking for a type native to their region will be interested in Rhododendron canadense or \"Rhodora azalea.\" P.J.M. rhododendron (Rhododendron x P.J.M.) is one of the toughest of the rhododendrons, in terms of holding up not only...
Appearance
- Because it flowers early, blooms can sometimes be harmed by frost. The leaves of this bush are evergreen. The green of its summer foliage yields to a mahogany color in winter, which is a plus for those seeking year-round interest on the landscape.
Cultivation
- The flowers of P.J.M. rhododendrons are smaller than those of Catawba rhododendron. P.J.M. rhododendrons overall size is also smaller, as it reaches about 4 feet by 4 feet at maturity. Grow it in zones 4 to 8. It is a good choice for foundation plantings and large rock gardens. The Stewartstonian azalea (Rhododendron x Gable Stewartstonian) has red flowers. It is an ever…
Prevention
- Soil pH should be about 5.5; have your garden soil tested first before planting azaleas and rhododendrons. Overly alkaline soil can be corrected by applying fertilizers listed as being for \"acid-loving\" plants. These specialty fertilizers contain ammonium-N, which lowers soil pH. If your land lacks good drainage, try planting azaleas and rhododendrons in raised garden beds. A…
Ecology
- The best mulches for azaleas and rhododendrons are acidic mulches, such as pine straw (although the idea that pine needles make the ground more acidic is now disputed).
Management
- Prune azaleas and rhododendrons immediately after the bloom period is over (often in June in zone 5). Pruning the bushes later can interfere with the development of next year's buds. Begin by pruning off dead or injured branches, which could cause disease and insect problems in the future. Then prune back tall, gangling limbs shooting out of the top of the bush. This will promot…