Azaleas (Rhododendron)

Azaleas

Azaleas are beautiful when planted alone or in a group. Their bright flowers signal the beginning of spring in the southern region of the United States. The flowers almost appear to float on air and come in a variety of colors. The first southern cultivar was established and planted outdoors on a South Carolina plantation in the 19th century. Since then, many southern states have celebrated the blooming of the azaleas with festivals and parades.

Scientific classification

Genus

Azaleas (Rhododendron)

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Toxic to Pets

Toxicity

Perennial

Lifespan

Tree, Shrub

Plant Type

Evergreen

Leaf type

0 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring

Growth Season

Slow

Growth Rate

Images of Azaleas

Species

Evergreen azalea Alpen rose Pontic rhododendron White azalea Maries' rhododendron Korean rhododendron Pacific rhododendron Dahurian rhododendron Western azalea Royal azalea Chinese azalea Swamp Azalea Sweet azalea Labrador tea Early azalea Alpine rose Western labrador tea Huading rhododendron Rhododendron hippophaeoides Lobed rhododendron Rhododendron argyrophyllum subsp. omeiense Japanese azalea Piedmont rhododendron Azaleas 'Royal Lodge'Azaleas 'Susan'Azaleas 'Wine and Roses'Azaleas 'Dora Amateis'Azaleas 'Gibraltar'Azaleas 'Winsome'Azaleas 'Shamrock'Azaleas 'Razorbill'Azaleas 'Curlew'Rhododendron hyperythrum Azaleas 'Gomer Waterer'Azaleas 'Nancy Evans'Honey-bell rhododendron 'Harvest Moon'Azaleas 'Cosmopolitan'Azaleas 'Fragrantissimum'Azaleas 'Germania'Azaleas 'Fastuosum Flore Pleno'Azaleas 'Lem's Monarch'Rhododendron sargentianum 'Sarled'Rhododendron fortunei 'Lodauric Iceberg'Azaleas 'Blue Jay'Azaleas 'Bric'Rhododendron cinnabarinum 'Conroy'Rhododendron spiciferum Rhododendron mariae Azaleas 'Temple Belle'Azaleas 'Choremia'Azaleas 'Teal'White azalea 'Narcissiflorum'Western azalea 'Irene Koster'Rhododendron hybrid Azaleas 'Golden Lights'Azaleas 'Koster's Brilliant Red'Catawba rosebay 'English Roseum'Azaleas 'Norma'Catawba rosebay 'Nova Zembla'Azaleas 'Mrs T.H. Lowinsky'Azaleas 'Christmas Cheer'Azaleas 'Crest'Rhododendron orbiculare Azaleas 'Lady Eleanor Cathcart'Azaleas 'Else Frye'Azaleas 'Goldflimmer'Rhododendron formosanum Pink azalea Pontic rhododendron 'GRAZIELLA'Hiryu azalea 'Hatsugiri'Rhododendron pachypodum Azaleas 'Ken Janeck'Azaleas 'Nancy Waterer'Sichuan rhododendron Azaleas 'Directeur Moerlands'Azaleas 'Lem's Cameo'Rhododendron racemosum 'Rock Rose'Azaleas 'Pink Cherub'Azaleas 'Champagne'Azaleas 'Mrs Charles E. Pearson'Azaleas 'Saint Tudy'Azaleas 'Coccineum Speciosum'Azaleas 'Earl of Donoughmore'Rhododendron dauricum 'Mid'Swamp azalea 'Fragrant Star'Rhododendron sinogrande 'Faggetter's Favourite'Azaleas 'Golden Oriole'Azaleas 'Blue Tit'Azaleas 'Tortoiseshell Orange'Azaleas 'Persil'

Toxicity

Azaleas is highly toxic to humans and animals. Cats and dogs exhibit vomiting, excessive salivation, diarrhea, and more upon ingestion. The plant contains hazardous grayanotoxins in all parts. Immediate veterinary treatment is required for dogs if consumption is suspected.

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Quickly Identify Azaleas

Bell-shaped flowers in clusters, 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) wide, with vibrant colors like pink and red.

Laurel-like evergreen leaves, 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) long, glossy, with prominent veins.

Distinctive fruit clusters of dry capsules, reddish-brown, about 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) long.

Thin bark with shedding quality, smooth to slightly rough, earth tone colors, bark thickness less than 1/4 inch (6 mm).

Erect, creeping or prostrate stems, slender when young, branching dense, with small leaf and egg-shaped flower buds.

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Care Guide for Azaleas

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Partial sun

Sunlight

0 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Azaleas thrives in humid environments, requiring moderate moisture levels with consistency in humidity. Optimal watering occurs every 1-2 weeks, adjusting based on seasonal changes, particularly with increased needs during spring and summer growth periods to support lush foliage.

Propagation: Propagation methods for azaleas include seed sowing, stem cuttings, layering, and grafting. Optimal conditions consist of well-draining acidic soil, consistent moisture, and indirect light. For successful stem cuttings, use a healthy semi-hardwood stem and maintain humidity until roots develop.

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Learn More About Azaleas

Toxicity

How to Grow and Care

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