All azaleas are rhododendrons, but not all rhododendrons are azaleas. The difference, technically, is that azaleas have 5 stamens; rhododendrons have 10. Azaleas generally are shorter, with smaller leaves and flowers. Colors range from white through pink, red, orange, salmon, yellow, and purple. Many azaleas also are deciduous.
Soil: Rich, moist, and acidic
Light: Azaleas can take full sun or light shade.
Zone: 4 - 8
Comments
Try Sweet, Flame, Ghent, Indica, Hiryu, Snow, Pinxterbloom, Roseshell, Rosebud, Royal, Swamp, or Pinkshell azaleas, or the Exbury, Knap Hill, Mollis, Indian, Kurume, or Gable hybrids. These plants do best in cooler climates and should always be mulched to keep roots cool. Be careful when cultivating azaleas not to disturb the roots.
