10 Types Of Azaleas For Your Flower Garden

Because azaleas have been selectively bred for centuries, there are thousands of cultivars, derived from hundreds of species found throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Many of the crucial parent species are natives of western China. Extensive hybridization means that new varieties appear every year, including many that are now suitable for northern climates. The Rhododendron genus comprises both azalea and rhododendron species. The two classes of flowering shrubs are very similar, with the technical differences found in the structure of the flowers. Rhododendron flowers have 10 stamens, while azaleas have five. Beyond that, azaleas generally have smaller leaves and branches and are more often deciduous (i.e., they shed their leaves annually), while rhododendrons have larger, leathery leaves and are usually evergreen. For the most part, azaleas bloom earlier than rhododendrons. Here are 10 popular types of azaleas to grow in your flower garden.

Native Area: Nursery hybridUSDA Growing Zones: 4–7Height: 4–5 feetSun Exposure: Partial

Native Area: Nursery hybridUSDA Growing Zones: 4–8Height: 4–6 feetSun Exposure: Partial

Native Area: Nursery hybridUSDA Growing Zones: 5–8Height: 4–6 feetSun Exposure: Partial

Native Area: Nursery hybridUSDA Growing Zones: 6-9Height: 2–3 feetSun Exposure: Partial

Native Area: Nursery hybridUSDA Growing Zones: 4–8Height: 5 feetSun Exposure: Partial

Native Area: Nursery hybridUSDA Growing Zones: 5–8Height: 4–6 feetSun Exposure: Partial

Native Area: Nursery hybridUSDA Growing Zones: 6–9Height: 2–4 feetSun Exposure: Partial

Native Area: Nursery hybridUSDA Growing Zones: 3–7Height: 4–5 feetSun Exposure: Partial

Native Area: Nursery hybridUSDA Growing Zones: 6–8Height: 2-3 feetSun Exposure: Partial

Native Area: Southern and central KoreaUSDA Growing Zones: 4–9Height: 3–6 feetSun Exposure: Partial, Full