How do you identify azaleas?
To tell them apart, first look at a flower—most azaleas have only 5 or 6 stamens, while most rhododendrons have 10 stamens. Then look at a leaf—azalea leaves tend to be thinner, softer and more pointed than rhododendron leaves.
Do azalea flowers come back every year?
Do azaleas grow back every year? The Encore series of azaleas grows back every year in the fall and spring. Other series' of azaleas do not grow back every year, unless you prune them before mid-summer.
What month does azalea bloom?
They flower from late March to mid-May and repeat bloom for several months from midsummer through fall. Hardy in Zones 6 or 7 through 10, depending on the cultivar, flowers come in a wide range of pinks, purples, reds, white, and bicolors.
How do you tell the difference between an azalea and a Rhododendron?
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 do azaleas look like in winter?
These symptoms normally are descriptive of an “end-of-the-growing-season” look. Some azaleas, like the popular Fashion variety, have bronzy to purple-looking foliage in the winter. All evergreen azaleas go through a stage when old foliage is being lost and new foliage is emerging for spring.
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 long do azaleas stay bloomed?
about three weeksCoveted 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.
How many times a year do azaleas bloom?
Known for blooming two to three times a year, azaleas are an adaptable flower to climates, sun and location. Most commonly planted in partial sun, azaleas can thrive almost anywhere. Azaleas generally need the most attention during their first year of planting.
Do azaleas flower all summer?
Azaleas do not bloom all summer. They are usually categorized into those that bloom early, midseason, or late, but even if the plant is a late variety that blooms in summer or fall, it will not bloom continuously all summer.
What do azaleas symbolize?
Abundance – Azalea symbolizes abundance and makes an ideal gift for a person who wants to be successful. By giving this flower, you are telling the recipient you hope that good things may come their way.
Do azalea bushes have thorns?
Azalea bushes do not have thorns at all. They do not have any sharp structures projecting from their stems. Instead, they may grow to develop certain bark characteristics as they age. So, plants may develop thorns to dissuade animals from eating them.
Can azaleas be grown in pots?
Plant your azalea in a container that provides ample growing space for the roots and keep in mind that a small container will limit growth. Be sure the container has at least one drainage hole, as azaleas are likely to rot in poorly drained soil.
Azalea Grow Guide
There are thousands of varieties, hybrids, and wild species of azaleas and rhododendrons.
Most Popular Azalea Varieties
Formosa Azalea: The Formosa Azalea features bright, lavender-pink blooms with blotches of darker pink shades throughout the petals.
Azalea Care Guide: How to plant, grow, and care for azaleas
It’s difficult to think of a southern garden without envisioning azaleas graciously and vibrantly sweeping through the background. They are arguably one of the most popular ornamental shrubs in the South, along with our beloved hydrangeas. But azaleas aren’t just for Southerners to enjoy.
1. Azalea vs. Rhododendron: What's the difference?
Sometimes people get confused about the difference between an azalea and a rhododendron. That’s because an azalea is always a rhododendron, but a rhododendron is not necessarily an azalea. The confusion really lies with how they are named—specifically, their common names.
2. How to use azaleas in garden design
Azaleas are really a utility player in the garden. They provide both striking beauty when they are in bloom as well as a very reliable evergreen backdrop to help other plants shine throughout the year. Because of the many varieties available to choose from, you can probably find an azalea that meets almost any of your ornamental shrub design needs.
3. Where, when, and how to plant azaleas
Azaleas are an extremely hardy shrub. In fact, I include them on my list of “bullet-proof plants” when talking to clients. But there are certainly things you can do to ensure a happier and healthier plant. Here are a few things to keep in mind from the get-go.
4. How to water, mulch, and fertilize azaleas
Once you have your azaleas in the ground make sure to give them what they need to thrive going forward.
5. When, why, and how to prune azaleas
If you’re looking to keep your azaleas their happiest … and you too (i.e., more flowers and less maintenance), it’s critical to understand when, why, and how to prune them.
6. Common Azalea Questions or Challenges
You shouldn’t have many problems if you care for your azaleas as outlined above. They are extremely hardy and easy to take care of. However, as with all plants, you could run into a number of problems or have some questions about their health. The questions that my clients ask me about most are outlined below.
What are the problems with azaleas?
Although azaleas are generally free of pests and diseases with proper azalea care, common azalea diseases and problems do exist. Insects that can affect azaleas include lace bugs and spider mites. Lace bugs are more likely to target shrubs that are grown in areas of full sun. Petal blight, leaf spots, and root rot are common diseases associated ...
What diseases do azaleas have?
Petal blight, leaf spots, and root rot are common diseases associated with these deciduous shrubs. Placing azaleas in areas with good drainage and conserving water by applying mulch usually helps reduce the chances of plant damage due to these problems.
What type of soil do azaleas need?
Best Soil for Azalea Plants. Azaleas have shallow roots and require well-drained, acidic soil. In poorly drained areas, azaleas should be placed in raised beds. Azaleas can also make exceptional candidates for containers. It also helps to amend the soil with compost beforehand.
Do azaleas need fertilizer?
Organic matter added to the soil and an adequate layering of mulch will generally provide azaleas with sufficient nutrients, therefore, frequent fertilizing is often not required. However, if there are low amounts of nitrogen in the soil, applying fertilizer may be necessary in order to prevent a nutrient deficiency.