Azalea or Rhododendron?

Azaleas have always seemed so petite next to most Rhododendrons.

The group of plants we call Azaleas is a smaller and a more specific classification of the larger genus of Rhododendrons. Their differences outnumber their similarities. (Please understand that the following are generalizations since some varieties have been cultivated specifically for different features and tolerances.)

Rhododendron Blossoms

LEAVES:

• Azalea foliage is usually more slender, pointed, softer and fuzzy.
• Rhododendrons have thicker, darker green leaves, rounder tipped leaves without hair, even the small-leafed varities which are easier to confuse with Azaleas. 

SUN:

• Azaleas are generally sun lovers that can tolerate partial shade.
• Rhododendrons prefer much shadier locations.

FLOWERS:

• Azaleas flowers are smaller and funnel-shaped with 5 stamens.  

Rhododendron Leaves

• Rhododendrons flowers are larger and bell-shaped with 10 stamens.

SIZE:

• Azaleas commonly grow 2 to 12 feet tall but are often trimmed to a small shrub-sized plant.  
• Rhododendrons average 4 feet tall and can reach 15 feet tall.

Azalea Blossoms

BLOSSOM COLORS:

• Azaleas: white, pink, red, yellow and purple.
• Rhododendrons: pink, mauve, lilac and purple.

SIMILARITIES:

• Both are wonderful in the garden year round with some keep their foliage throughout winter. 
 
• Both need acidic soil with high organic content to survive.

Hopefully this will help to reduce any confusion about these two great plants that have been garden staples for many years.

Azalea Leaves

Research by Renee C. Brannigan