But how do you tell them apart? There are many similarities between these plants, but a few distinct differences can help you tell these two apart. They also have comparable temperature and climate needs. 15 Common Toxic Plants Rhododendrons vs. Azaleas How to tell the difference between azaleas and rhododendrons? Keep the soil moist and warm until the seeds germinate. This will keep the shrubs decently moist and prevent them from drying out (dry winters and late falls can be particularly fatal to rhododendrons). Combining Azaleas and Rhododendrons can offer a wider range of shapes, colors, and textures than you can get with different varieties of Azaleas alone. Test the soil pH first before lowering the pH. Gardeners who live in areas with a large deer population may have a problem growing rhododendron. Rhododendrons never really stop growing, these measurements are a projected average for a 10-year-old shrub. Azalea flower stems are typically erect, while those on true Rhododendron plants tend to grow more horizontally. They bring delightful white, purple, yellow, and red flowersand all hues in betweento the spring garden when the clusters of funnel-shaped blooms appear. It grows 5 to 10 feet tall and wide. Water thoroughly: Water the plant thoroughly, making sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Rhododendrons and Azaleas can be affected by a range of pests and diseases. Set the ball so it is 2 in. Ideas with Azaleas - Rhododendrons, Want Garden Inspiration? Their flowers are highly ornamental and make a beautiful addition to any garden. By doing this, your azaleas will have the necessary nutrients to last the year. Have acidic soil, or grow in pots. Here's more about this stunning flowering shrubwhich are easy to grow as long as you have the right conditions. Most large-leafed varieties require dappled shade; avoid deep shade or full sun. Finish by watering normally. The Truth About This Common Garden Myth, link to Why Put Rocks in Potted Plants: Benefits and Tips. Ive been using a Miracle Grow all purpose flower fertilizer about every 2-3 weeks. In areas with milder winters, they can also be planted in the winter months. Azaleas are typically deciduous while other rhododendrons are evergreen. Remove any dead or diseased wood, and trim back any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. Like most members of this family, Rhododendron 'Olga Mezitt' is an evergreen selection that produces small trusses of deep peach-pink flowers. Plant the shrub: Place the shrub in the hole and backfill with soil, gently firming the soil around the roots. In this article, gardening expert Jill Drago examines her favorite pink azalea varieties, with names and pictures of each! 15 Blooming Evergreen Shrubs That Will Add Instant Color to Your Garden, 14 Beautiful Shrubs for Shade that Will Brighten Up Your Yard, How to Pick the Best Bushes and Shrubs for Landscaping Your Yard, 21 of the Prettiest Flowering Shrubs for Hedges, 10 Flowering Trees and Shrubs that Will Make a Statement This Spring, 18 Spring-Flowering Shrubs to Add to Your Yard for Early Color, How to Plant and Grow Lily-of-the-Valley Shrub, How to Plant and Grow Chinese Fringe Flower, 19 Plants with Silver Foliage That Will Help Your Garden Shine, 17 Deer-Resistant Shade Plants That Will Brighten Up Your Garden, rhododendrons and azaleas are toxic to humans and pets, protecting themselves from cold temperatures, Fall Bloom, Spring Bloom, Summer Bloom, Winter Interest. Ideas with Rhododendron - Azalea, Great Hostas as Companion Plants for Azaleas and Rhododendrons. They both bloom brightly in the spring, have lush foliage, and require the same growing conditions. shrubs, choose companion plants that prefer partial shade. Smaller compact rhododendrons with a maximum height and width of 3 to 5 feet at maturity can be grown in containers. We have lots more on the site to show you. Some rhododendrons have tiny scales on the leaves (lepidote), or they dont (elepidote). If you have had problems growing rhododendrons in the past, perform a soil test. I have a rhododendron that flowered beautifully last year. Heavy applications of fertilizer will burn the plantsroots. Since the issue with your rhododendron leaves seem to happen every spring, it sounds like you are dealing with winter injury. Cut the leaves in half to make the leaf surface smaller. A sunny spot that receives a few hours of shade is perfect. Growing Azaleas & Rhododendrons If you've ever gazed upon a rhododendron's many bright, clustered blooms, you can tell why it has earned the deserving title of "Royalty of the Garden." . The rhododendron types are fussier, preferring environments where it is neither too hot nor too cold (Zones 5 to 8). Zones 68. The plants are always acid-loving, and largely evergreen. height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. It can be controlled with fungicides or by improving air circulation around the plants. While mulch provides many benefits, it can also Why Put Rocks in Potted Plants: Benefits and Tips. Weigh a lower branch down until it touches the soil. Azaleas are small to medium-sized shrubs. If you would like to add a granular fertilizer to your established azaleas or rhododendrons be sure to do so before July. To prevent rust, avoid overhead watering and ensure good air circulation around the plants. Adding peat moss, compost, or well-aged manure to the soil can help improve drainage and fertility. Extreme winter cold might damage the buds. Azaleas and rhododendrons grow moderately and will produce less than one foot per year. Water: Rhododendrons and Azaleas thrive in moist soils that are not waterlogged. Flowers are backed by rich green evergreen foliage. 2. Take special care not to break any buds. They can be found everywhere, from your grandmother's front yard to professionally landscaped gardens. Rhododendrons and Azaleas can be propagated through several methods, including: Softwood cuttings: Take 3- to 6-inch cuttings from the new growth of the plant in early summer. A hungry deer will eat the leaves off almost any plant. In the winter, protect rhododendrons from cold damage. Guide to Poisonous Plants. If your soil isn't acidy enough, use sulfur or ferrous sulfate to drive down the pH. The shrub grows 34 feet tall and wide. Zones 49. adds to the flowerbeds appeal long after their spring blossoms have fallen. There are low-growing ground-cover azaleas, plants that grow from 1 to 2 feet, as well as plants that can grow up to 25 feet tall. Azaleas and rhododendrons are so closely related they share the same genus, Rhododendron. The name azalea is commonly used to distinguish those plants which lose their leaves at the end of the season (deciduous) and have funnel-shaped flowers with 5 stamens. 07 of 10. Rhododendron plants, like many other plants in the Ericaceae family, prefer acidic soils. Combine Use our interactive toolsto design your dream garden. The plant attracts aphids, mites, borers, lacebugs, caterpillars, leafhoppers, mealybugs, nematodes, scale, thrips, and whiteflies. If you need to treat your diseased azaleas and rhododendrons look for a copper fungicide at your local garden center. 29, 2023 Be a garden sleuth and find out the identify of your mystery plant. Lets find out the difference between rhododendrons and azaleas, and how to care for both. If you are unsure whether you have an azalea or a rhododendron growing in your yard, hopefully, the above characteristics will help you identify your plant. Rabbit: Rhododendrons and Azaleas are often avoided by rabbits because of their toxicity and unpleasant taste. Toxicity: Rhododendrons and azaleas are toxic to humans and animals if ingested. Zones 59. Wind: It's important to avoid planting them in areas where they are exposed to harsh winds or extreme temperature changes. A couple of years later, cut the rooted branch to separate it from the parent and transplant it. However, if you want to tell the difference between azaleas and rhododendrons, just look at the size of the bush, the flower shape, and the leaves. Rhododendron 'Robled' offers light pink flowers in spring, summer, and fall. BONUS: Youll also receive our freeBeginner GardeningGuide! It's important to keep these plants away from children and pets. Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves. The most obvious difference between the azalea flowers and rhododendrons is their growth. Are Rhododendrons Annual, Biennial, or Perennial Plants. From a technical perspective, the rhododendron flowers are shaped like bells and have ten or more stamens and leaves are usually large and leathery, while the Azalea blossom is generally funnel-shaped and has five stamens. To create additional collections, you must be a paid member of our site. Their abundance of spring blossoms and You can find azaleas and rhododendrons growing naturally in many parts of the world. Too much sun and the leaves and flowers will get scorched. To prevent leaf spot, make sure to plant Rhododendrons and Azaleas in well-draining soil and avoid getting water on the leaves. Azaleas have smaller leaves, however, they are elepidote and tend to have tiny hairs on their leaves. Rhododendrons lose water through their leaves in winter during times when it is warm and sunny. Their thin petals drop off in theheat. If you planted a variety in the landscape that is suitable for your climate, and it is in a location where its shielded from chilly winter winds, there is no need for any winter protection. Azaleas and rhododendrons grow best in well-drained soil that is acidic a pH under 7 and ideally at 4.5 to 6. Unlike other shrubs that have a long taproot, azaleas and rhododendrons have fibrous root systems which typically will only be one or two feet deep. Choose a container that is at least one-third larger than the nursery container the plant came in, and with large drainage holes. 00:00. Keep the mulch around the plants all year, but don't allow it to be too high on the plant stems during the summer and fall. In this article, we take a look at the rhododendron life cycle, and if they are considered annual, biennial, or perennial plants! Rhododendrons and azaleas can often be found growing under the Because of this type of root system, your azaleas and rhododendrons may dry out quickly if they are planted in direct sun or if you are experiencing a hot stretch of weather. Adding fertilizer after that point will promote vegetative growth when the shrubs should shift their energy into producing flower buds. bloom? Cover the wounded section with soil and wait for roots to develop before cutting the branch from the parent plant. This will help to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Here are the steps to plant Rhododendrons and Azaleas: Choose a suitable location: Select a spot that has well-drained soil, partial shade, and protection from strong winds. If your soil drains well, start by digging your planting hole at least two to three times as wide and no deeper than the root ball of the plant. It only makes sense to propagate a straight species, as the outcome of propagating a cultivar or hybrid is unpredictablethe new plant does not have the desired features. Zones 69. Julie Thompson-Adolf is a Master Gardener and author with over 30 years of experience in year-round organic gardening; seed starting, growing heirlooms, and sustainable farming. These requirements can make it difficult to figure out what to Bloom time: Generally, azaleas bloom earlier than rhododendrons, usually in early to mid spring, while rhododendrons typically bloom in late spring or early summer. The leaves redden in fall. You've only seen one page. a series of sucker-like, tall sprouts have developed. They tend to have finer stems and smaller leaves with fine hairs or fuzz, and some subspecies are deciduous (dropping their leaves in fall). By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Or, the plant might not get enough sunlight. You can amend the soils with peat moss, compost, and other soil acidifiers to keep them happy. It encourages rot. There are a few ways to prevent winter injury, including adequate watering during the growing season.about an inch a weekand especially in the fall to give your rhododendrons what they need for the winter. Maintain even moisture levels, and mulch. Azaleas have funnel shaped flowers. and how they bloom, foliage type, and whether theyre deciduous or evergreen. Rhododendrons are usually larger shrubs than azaleas, with larger leaves. Zones 58. A classic shade garden plant, rhododendrons are prized for their glossy green foliage and showy clusters of blooms. Azaleas and Rhododendrons. It tops out around 45 feet tall. Rhododendrons are actually the most popular woody landscape plant in the United States. Small plants, with their smaller root balls, struggle in the hot late spring andsummer. They come in a wide range of sizes and flower colors and shapes. Too much water in the soil can be an issue for rhododendrons and azaleas. If you are trying to keep your rhododendrons blooming as long as possible, you are in the right place! Published: Thursday, 1 September, 2022 at 10:39 am All you need to know about growing azaleas, including indoor azaleas, in our detailed Grow Guide. Pruning to shape it, thin it for better airflow, or rejuvenate a mature shrub should be done soon after the bloom, or no later than early summer because by mid or late summer, the plant has formed next years flowers. Fertilizing azaleas should be based on how the plant appears and what you want to accomplish with it. make beautiful landscape plants. Acid soil has a pH of anywhere from 4.6-6, which is pretty acidic. The blooms come in a variety of shapes and colors from white to pink to red to purple and even orange! These diseases could be powdery mildew, petal blight, gall, or rust. This can be done any time. Both azaleas and rhododendrons bloom in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, white, red, yellow, and orange. If you need to reduce height, prune after flowering in thespring. Water the plant slowly and deeply twice a week during the first growing season. It grows 2 feet tall and wide. Not sure which hardiness zone youre in? Read our. When ingested, the leaves, nectar, seeds, and flowers of rhododendrons and azaleas are toxic to humans and pets. It is easy to grow azalea plants from seeds. There are many different varieties you can choose from, depending on your hardiness zone. In poor soils, a fertilizer designed for acid-loving plants may be applied in late winter or early spring and never later than midsummer. Rhododendrons will appreciate more protection from wind and winter sun. Fill the hole half full with soil, then water it well to settle the soil before filling it with the remainder of thesoil. When, why, and how to prune 6. They need a certain amount of chilling to develop strong flower buds. Azalea flowers could be single, or double and any variation of petal quantity in between. Zones 58. Create pleasing contrasts in your spring garden. Otherwise, just remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches at any time ofyear. Uses: Rhododendrons and azaleas are popular choices for landscaping and can be used in a variety of ways, from hedges to borders to standalone specimens. Most of Missouri does not have their preferred climate, so selecting a good site is very important. Zones 58. In this article, gardening expert Jill Drago gives you her top tops to ensure your Rhodies are blooming all season long! I water regularly if it doesnt rain. How to use azaleas in garden design 3. It is important to monitor Rhododendrons and Azaleas regularly for signs of pests or diseases and to take appropriate action to prevent or control them. A few specimens have made it past 100! Attracts pollinators: The beautiful blooms of rhododendrons and azaleas attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, helping to support a healthy ecosystem in your garden. Most rhododendrons prefer a shade-filled existence, but newer varieties are available for sunny areas as well. Azaleas and rhododendrons are two of North Americas most popular flowering shrubs. We are Joyce and Donella, and we're sharing what we've learned along the way in our own gardening adventures. See how to grow and care forrhododendrons! The tubular-, funnel-, or bell-shaped flowers can be fragrant or non-fragrant. Weekly email gardening tips, product reviews and discounts. Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device. Zones 69. 1121 Main Street | P.O. Check on hardiness for a particular species, as well as flower timing to get a series of growing season color. The severity of toxicity depends on the amount ingested and the individual's sensitivity to the toxin. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone, plant them in a planting medium and keep them in a warm place. Azaleas however seem to be a bit more at risk for leaf miners, lace bugs, and whiteflies. All azaleas are rhododendrons, but not all rhododendrons are azaleas. link to Does Mulch Attract Flies? We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. and rhododendron. Looking for some types of Rhododendrons to add to your garden this season, but aren't sure which to pick? Water thoroughly after planting and firm the soil around the . Cookies, This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google, Azaleas and Rhododendrons for Small Gardens, Azaleas and Rhododendrons with Attractive Fall Colors, Beautiful Azaleas and Rhododendrons for Rock Gardens, Best Companion Plants for Azaleas and Rhododendrons, Extend the Blooming Season of your Azaleas and Rhododendrons, Click here to compare all Rhododendron and Azalea varieties, A Pretty Spring Border Idea with Rhododendrons and Crocuses, A Pretty Spring Border Idea with Rhododendrons and Tulips, A Charming Plant Combination for Shady Gardens: Hydrangea, Japanese Maple and Boxwood, Great Plant Combination Ideas We use cookies on this website, you can read about them here.
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