All the time people say to me ; “ Rhododendrons do n’t do well or grow for me . ” Right here and now I ’ll say you why that is so and how to fix it .
Azaleas and rhododendrons are two of the most popular flowering bush for garden With their stunning flush that come in a rainbow of colors , it ’s no marvel why !
As part of the genus Rhododendron , azaleas are actually view a character of rhododendron . But when it do to their forethought and growth use , there are some primal difference of opinion between the two plant .
So if you ’re looking to tote up one of these beauties to your garden , you may be wondering — which is well-situated to grow : azaleas or rhododendrons ? Here ’s what you call for to know to select the veracious bush for your needs .
Azalea Basics
azalea are in general little bush , ranging in size of it from just under a foot to over 15 feet tall depending on the variety . They have low , thinner leaf that are either deciduous or evergreen .
The blossom come in whites pinks purples , red ink , oranges and yellows . Unlike rhododendron , azaleas can even have multiple colors on a single bloom . The blooms are funnel or tubular forge , with five stamens .
azalea are native to several areas including North America , Europe and Asia . They flourish in zone 6 - 9 , depending on the variety .
Rhododendron Basics
Rhododendrons are larger shrubs , normally growing 5 - 20 feet improbable or more . The leave-taking are compact , larger and leathery . Most variety are evergreen , hold onto their foliage year - round .
The flowers grow in large clusters at the end of branches . They come in Greco-Roman shades like white , pink , purple and red . The blooms are bell - forge , with 10 stamens .
Rhododendrons are native to North America , Europe and Asia as well . They grow best in cooler climates , zones 4 - 8 .
Growing Conditions
When it comes to growing azalea vs rhododendron , the conditions are quite similar :
The chief difference is that rhododendrons need protection from harsh winter farting , whereas azalea are a bit more cold tolerant .
Ease of Growth
When weighing which is well-to-do to grow between azaleas and rhododendron , azalea profits by a slim margin . Here ’s why :
Blooming : azalea blossom before in fountain , void risk of late hoarfrost damage to buds .
Pruning : Azaleas only need pruning after efflorescence . Rhododendrons take baksheesh crop for shape .
Insects : Azaleas have few insect problems overall .
mixed bag : azalea come in more varieties suited to a all-embracing range of a function of clime .
hotness / stale allowance : azalea handle heat and cold well overall .
Planting : Azaleas have an easier sentence getting plant after planting .
Care : Azaleas are more forgiving if conditions are n’t dead ideal .
Tips for Growing Azaleas
If you decide to sum up azaleas to your landscape painting , here are some baksheesh for success :
prefer a variety suited for your planting geographical zone .
Give them mottled sunlight or morning time sun only .
plant life in natural spring or fall in acidulent , humus - rich soil .
Water 1 - 2 times per week for the first season while establishing .
Mulch around the theme to retain moisture and even out soil temperature .
Fertilize in early spring with an azalea plant food .
Prune immediately after flowering to forefend removing next yr ’s buds .
Tips for Growing Rhododendrons
To grow rhododendron , keep these tips in mind :
blue-ribbon frigid - hardy varieties if you endure in a tank climate .
works in spring or decrease in well - run out , acidulent dirt .
Give them morning sunlight and good afternoon shade .
Water 1 - 2 times per week after plant and during droughts .
Mulch around the base to retain wet and regulate stain temperature .
Fertilize with acidic plant fertilizer in former springtime .
Prune only softly for Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe after flowering .
The Bottom Line
While rhododendrons provide that classic , sheer floral showing , azaleas are a turn easier for the median nurseryman to develop . Their general hardiness , wide kind of options , and more carefree nature give them the edge .
However , both shrubs make sensational addition to the garden . So whether you choose azaleas or rhododendrons , keep an eye on the specific care tips for your plant will determine you up for many natural spring of breathtaking blooms !
Why so many people have problems with Rhododendrons in their landscape.
You wo n’t trust how easy it is to originate rhododendrons and azalea . All they require are a few things to be happy . A very important fact about growing rhododendron in your yard or garden should not be ignored and should be accentuate over and over again . Here it is .
The soil was hot, dry and as rocky as can be.
The 105 rhododendrons that we planted on that John Rock farm hump it !
They were as felicitous as happy can be and they grew like weed . It rent at least two more years before we could sell the 600 that we planted at Larry ’s home . They did okay and looked unspoilt , but The 105 from the rock farm sold right away , but it aim a few days for the one in the heavier dirt to grow to landscape painting sizing so we could sell them .
It was right then and there that I realize how much rhododendron dislike wet feet !
How to Grow & Care for Azaleas – Keep Your Plants Healthy & Blooming Year After Year
FAQ
Are rhododendron easier to mature than azaleas ?
Is it hard to grow rhododendron ?
Which is better in ghost , azalea or rhododendron ?
What are the easiest azaleas to farm ?
