Azaleas, belonging to the genus Rhododendron within the Ericaceae family, are flowering shrubs prized for their vibrant, colorful blooms and versatility in gardens. Historically classified as a separate genus, azaleas are now considered a subgenus of Rhododendron, encompassing both deciduous and evergreen species. Native primarily to Asia, North America, and Europe, they are popular ornamental plants, celebrated for their spring and early summer displays in temperate climates.
Azaleas typically grow as compact or spreading shrubs, ranging from 1–8 feet tall and wide, depending on the species. Their leaves are generally small, oval, and glossy in evergreen types, or larger and softer in deciduous ones, often turning brilliant shades of red, orange, or yellow in fall. The foliage provides a lush backdrop for blooms and adds seasonal interest, with some species featuring hairy or leathery leaf textures.
The hallmark of azaleas is their profuse, funnel-shaped or tubular flowers, typically 1–3 inches wide, blooming in spring to early summer. Flowers appear in clusters, showcasing a spectrum of colors including pink, red, orange, yellow, white, or bicolors, often with delicate fragrance. The blooms attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, enhancing garden biodiversity, and their vivid hues create striking focal points.
After flowering, azaleas produce small, woody capsules containing numerous tiny seeds. These capsules are generally inconspicuous and split open in fall to release seeds, though propagation by seeds is less common in cultivation due to slow growth. Most gardeners prefer cuttings or layering to propagate azaleas, as these methods preserve desired traits and ensure faster establishment.
Azaleas thrive in partial shade to filtered sunlight, though some tolerate full sun with adequate moisture. They require acidic, well-drained soil (pH 4.5–6.0) rich in organic matter, performing best in USDA Zones 5–9. Consistent moisture is essential, but they dislike waterlogged roots. Mulching helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, while shallow planting prevents root rot. Protection from harsh winds is crucial, especially for evergreen types.
Azaleas are ideal for woodland gardens, borders, foundation plantings, or containers, offering vibrant color and structure. Evergreen species provide year-round greenery, while deciduous ones add seasonal drama with fall foliage. They pair well with other acid-loving plants like camellias or ferns. Gardeners should monitor for pests like lace bugs and ensure proper soil acidity, as alkaline conditions cause chlorosis. Their non-invasive nature and long lifespan make them a reliable choice for low-maintenance landscapes.
Cultivars/Varieties of Azaleas
Flame Azalea (Rhododendron calendulaceum)
This deciduous native, 6–12 feet tall and 4–8 feet wide, has an upright, open habit with medium green, oval leaves that turn orange-red in fall. Its large, tubular flowers, 2–3 inches wide, bloom in late spring to early summer in vivid orange to red hues, often with a yellow throat, arranged in clusters of 5–7. The slightly fragrant blooms attract pollinators, making it ideal for woodland gardens or naturalized areas.
Piedmont Azalea (Rhododendron canescens)
A deciduous native, 6–15 feet tall and 6–10 feet wide, with a loose, spreading habit and pale green leaves that flush pink in spring and turn yellow-orange in fall. Its fragrant, tubular, pink to white flowers, 1.5–2 inches wide, bloom in early spring before leaves emerge, in clusters of 5–9. This heat-tolerant shrub is perfect for shade gardens or as a hedge in southern climates
Western Azalea (Rhododendron occidentale)
This deciduous native, 5–10 feet tall and 4–8 feet wide, has an upright, open habit with glossy, medium green leaves that turn yellow-orange in fall. Its fragrant, white to pale pink flowers, 1.5–2 inches wide, with a yellow-orange blotch, bloom in late spring to early summer in clusters of 5–10. Ideal for woodland gardens or moist borders, it attracts pollinators.
Florida Flame Azalea (Rhododendron austrinum)
This deciduous species, 6–10 feet tall and 4–8 feet wide, forms an upright, open shrub with medium green, slightly hairy leaves that turn yellow in fall. Its bright orange to golden-yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers, 1.5–2 inches wide, bloom in early spring with a strong, sweet fragrance, in clusters of 5–15. It’s a vibrant choice for mixed borders or woodland settings.
Rhododendron simsii (Indian Azalea)
A compact, evergreen shrub, 1–3 feet tall and wide, with small, glossy, dark green leaves and a dense, rounded form. Its vibrant, single to double flowers, 1–2 inches wide, bloom in spring (or year-round indoors), in red, pink, white, or bicolor hues, often with a slight fragrance. Popular as a houseplant or patio container plant, it thrives in filtered light.
Rhododendron obtusum (Hiryu Azalea)
This evergreen, 2–4 feet tall and 3–5 feet wide, has a low, mounding habit with small, elliptic, dark green leaves. Its striking, single, crimson to pink flowers, 1.5–2 inches wide, bloom in late spring in clusters, creating a vivid display. Its compact size makes it suitable for rockeries, borders, or bonsai cultivation in partial shade.
Rhododendron atlanticum (Coastal Azalea)
A deciduous native, 3–6 feet tall and 4–7 feet wide, with a spreading, low habit and soft green leaves that turn bronze in fall. Its spicy-scented, white to pale pink flowers, 1–1.5 inches wide, with pink stamens, bloom in spring before foliage, in clusters of 3–13. Ideal for informal hedges or foundation plantings in coastal gardens.
Rhododendron schlippenbachii (Royal Azalea)
This deciduous shrub, 4–8 feet tall and wide, has an upright, open habit with broad, medium green leaves that turn red-orange in fall. Its large, pale pink to white flowers, 2–3 inches wide, bloom in early spring with a spicy fragrance, in clusters of 3–6. A stunning choice for woodland gardens or as a specimen plant.
Rhododendron viscosum (Swamp Azalea)
A deciduous native, 5–8 feet tall and 4–7 feet wide, with an open, upright form and glossy, dark green leaves that turn orange in fall. Its fragrant, white to pale pink, tubular flowers, 1–1.5 inches wide, bloom in late spring to early summer in clusters of 4–9. It thrives in moist soils, ideal for pond edges or shade gardens.
Rhododendron prinophyllum (Roseshell Azalea)
This deciduous species, 4–8 feet tall and wide, has an upright, spreading habit with medium green, hairy leaves that turn red in fall. Its rose-pink to purple flowers, 1.5–2 inches wide, bloom in early spring with a spicy fragrance, in clusters of 5–9. It’s a cold-hardy choice for mixed borders or naturalistic landscapes.
Rhododendron arborescens (Sweet Azalea)
A deciduous native, 5–8 feet tall and wide, with an open, upright form and glossy, dark green leaves that turn red-orange in fall. Its large, white flowers, 1.5–2 inches wide, with red stamens, bloom in late spring with a strong, sweet fragrance, in clusters of 3–7. Perfect for woodland or fragrance gardens.
Rhododendron molle (Chinese Azalea)
This deciduous species, 3–6 feet tall and wide, has a compact, rounded habit with soft, green leaves that turn yellow in fall. Its funnel-shaped flowers, 1–2 inches wide, bloom in late spring in bright yellow to orange shades, in clusters of 5–10, with a mild fragrance. It’s ideal for borders or mass plantings in acidic soils.
Rhododendron flammeum (Oconee Azalea)
A deciduous native, 4–8 feet tall and wide, with an upright, open habit and medium green leaves that turn yellow-orange in fall. Its non-fragrant, tubular flowers, 1.5–2 inches wide, bloom in early spring in shades of yellow-orange to deep red, in clusters of 5–8. It’s heat-tolerant and suits southern woodland gardens.
Rhododendron alabamense (Alabama Azalea)
This deciduous native, 4–6 feet tall and wide, has a low, spreading habit with pale green leaves that turn yellow in fall. Its snowy white flowers, 1–1.5 inches wide, with a yellow blotch, bloom in mid-spring with a lemon-spice fragrance, in clusters of 6–10. Ideal for shade gardens or naturalistic settings.
Cumberland Azalea (Rhododendron cumberlandense)
A deciduous shrub, 3–6 feet tall and wide, with a compact, rounded form and soft green leaves that turn fiery red in fall. Its vibrant orange to red, non-fragrant flowers, 1.5–2 inches wide, bloom in early summer in clusters of 4–7. This heat-tolerant native is perfect for mixed borders or naturalistic landscapes.
Satsuki Azalea (Rhododendron indicum)
An evergreen shrub, 2–6 feet tall and wide, with a compact, mounding habit and small, glossy, dark green leaves. Its single or double flowers, 1–2 inches wide, bloom in late spring to early summer in shades of pink, red, white, or orange, often with patterned petals. This slow-growing plant is ideal for bonsai, containers, or low hedges
Plumleaf Azalea (Rhododendron prunifolium)
This deciduous native, 4–8 feet tall and wide, forms an upright, open shrub with dark green leaves that turn red-orange in fall. Its non-fragrant, tubular flowers, 1.5–2 inches wide, bloom in mid to late summer in deep orange to scarlet, in clusters of 4–7. It’s a striking choice for late-season color in shade gardens.
Pinxterbloom Azalea (Rhododendron periclymenoides)
A deciduous native, 4–6 feet tall and wide, with a spreading, open habit and medium green leaves that turn yellow in fall. Its lightly fragrant, pink to white flowers, 1.5–2 inches wide, bloom in early spring before foliage, in clusters of 6–12. Suited for woodland edges or informal hedges, it’s cold-hardy and pollinator-friendly.
Kaempferi Azalea (Rhododendron kaempferi)
This semi-evergreen shrub, 3–6 feet tall and wide, has a compact, mounding habit with small, glossy, dark green leaves that turn bronze in fall. Its single, salmon-pink to red flowers, 1–2 inches wide, bloom in late spring in clusters of 3–5, with a subtle fragrance. Ideal for low hedges or mass plantings in partial shade.
Yodogawa Azalea (Rhododendron yedoense)
A deciduous to semi-evergreen shrub, 4–6 feet tall and wide, with an upright, spreading form and medium green leaves that turn yellow in fall. Its double, lavender-pink to purple flowers, 1.5–2 inches wide, bloom in late spring in clusters of 4–8, with a mild fragrance. Perfect for borders or containers in acidic soils.
Torch Azalea (Rhododendron mucronulatum)
This deciduous shrub, 4–8 feet tall and wide, has an upright, open habit with light green leaves that turn yellow-orange in fall. Its bright pink to rose flowers, 1–1.5 inches wide, bloom in early spring before leaves, in clusters of 5–10, with a light fragrance. It’s a cold-hardy choice for early-season color in borders.
Gumpo Azalea (Rhododendron nakaharai)
A low, evergreen shrub, 1–2 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide, with a spreading, mounding habit and tiny, glossy, dark green leaves. Its single, pink to white flowers, 1–1.5 inches wide, bloom in late spring to early summer in clusters of 2–4. Its dwarf size makes it ideal for rock gardens or ground cover.
Sweet Azalea (Rhododendron arborescens)
A deciduous native, 5–8 feet tall and wide, with an open, upright form and glossy, dark green leaves that turn red-orange in fall. Its large, white flowers, 1.5–2 inches wide, with red stamens, bloom in late spring with a strong, sweet fragrance, in clusters of 3–7. Perfect for woodland or fragrance gardens.
Kurume Azalea (Rhododendron kiusianum)
This evergreen shrub, 2–4 feet tall and wide, has a dense, mounding habit with small, glossy, dark green leaves. Its single to semi-double flowers, 1–1.5 inches wide, bloom in late spring in shades of pink, purple, or white, in clusters of 3–5. It’s excellent for low hedges, containers, or bonsai.
Northern Hi-Lights Azalea (Rhododendron hybrid)
A deciduous hybrid, 4–6 feet tall and wide, with an upright, rounded habit and medium green leaves that turn yellow in fall. Its creamy-white to yellow flowers, 1.5–2 inches wide, with a yellow blotch, bloom in late spring in clusters of 5–8, with a light fragrance. Cold-hardy, it suits northern gardens or borders.
Girard’s Rose Azalea (Rhododendron hybrid)
An evergreen hybrid, 3–5 feet tall and wide, with a compact, rounded form and glossy, dark green leaves. Its vibrant rose-pink flowers, 1.5–2 inches wide, bloom in mid-spring in clusters of 3–5, with a subtle fragrance. This versatile shrub is ideal for foundation plantings or mixed borders.
Autumn Fire Azalea (Rhododendron hybrid)
This evergreen, 2–3 feet tall and 3–4 feet wide, has a compact, mounding habit with small, glossy, dark green leaves. Its semi-double, fiery red flowers, 1.5–2 inches wide, bloom in spring and rebloom lightly in fall, in clusters of 3–5. It’s perfect for containers or low hedges in mild climates.
Coral Bells Azalea (Rhododendron hybrid)
A semi-evergreen hybrid, 2–4 feet tall and wide, with a dense, mounding habit and small, glossy, medium green leaves. Its coral-pink, bell-shaped flowers, 1–1.5 inches wide, bloom profusely in early spring in clusters of 4–6, with a light fragrance. Ideal for rock gardens or as a low border plant.
Exbury Azalea (Rhododendron hybrid)
A deciduous hybrid, 4–6 feet tall and wide, with an upright, open habit and medium green leaves that turn brilliant red-orange in fall. Its large, funnel-shaped flowers, 2–3 inches wide, bloom in late spring in vibrant yellow, orange, or pink, in clusters of 5–12, with a mild fragrance. Ideal for woodland or mixed borders.
Girard’s Crimson Azalea (Rhododendron hybrid)
An evergreen hybrid, 3–4 feet tall and wide, with a compact, rounded form and glossy, dark green leaves. Its vivid crimson flowers, 1.5–2 inches wide, bloom in mid spring in clusters of 3–5, with a subtle fragrance. This vibrant shrub is perfect for foundation plantings or low hedges.
Hershey’s Red Azalea (Rhododendron hybrid)
A semi-evergreen hybrid, 3–5 feet tall and wide, with a dense, mounding habit and small, glossy, medium green leaves. Its bright red, single flowers, 1–1.5 inches wide, bloom in early spring in clusters of 4–6, with a light fragrance. It’s ideal for borders or containers in partial shade.
Delaware Valley White Azalea (Rhododendron hybrid)
An evergreen hybrid, 3–4 feet tall and wide, with a compact, spreading form and small, glossy, dark green leaves. Its pure white, single flowers, 1.5–2 inches wide, bloom in mid spring in clusters of 3–5, with a delicate fragrance. Suited for mass plantings or as a low hedge.
Autumn Amethyst Azalea (Rhododendron hybrid)
This evergreen hybrid, 3–4 feet tall and wide, has a rounded, compact habit with glossy, dark green leaves. Its lavender-purple, single flowers, 1.5–2 inches wide, bloom in spring with occasional reblooming in fall, in clusters of 4–6. It’s a versatile choice for borders or containers in mild climates.
Hino Crimson Azalea (Rhododendron hybrid)
A compact, evergreen hybrid, 2–3 feet tall and 3–4 feet wide, with a dense, mounding form and small, glossy, dark green leaves. Its vivid crimson flowers, 1–1.5 inches wide, bloom profusely in early spring in clusters of 3–5, with a subtle fragrance. Perfect for rock gardens or low borders.
Rutherford Azalea (Rhododendron hybrid)
An evergreen hybrid, 3–5 feet tall and wide, with a rounded, dense habit and medium green, glossy leaves. Its single to semi-double flowers, 1.5–2 inches wide, bloom in mid spring in shades of pink, white, or salmon, in clusters of 4–6, with a light fragrance. Ideal for foundation plantings or mixed beds.
Southern Indica Azalea (Rhododendron hybrid)
This evergreen hybrid, 4–6 feet tall and wide, has an upright, spreading habit with large, glossy, dark green leaves. Its large, single to double flowers, 2–3 inches wide, bloom in early spring in vibrant pink, red, or white, in clusters of 3–5. Heat-tolerant, it’s suited for southern gardens or as a hedge.
Glenn Dale Azalea (Rhododendron hybrid)
This evergreen hybrid, 4–6 feet tall and wide, has a dense, upright habit with glossy, dark green leaves. Its single to semi-double flowers, 2–3 inches wide, bloom in mid spring in shades of pink, white, red, or bicolor, in clusters of 3–6, with a subtle fragrance. Ideal for hedges or mixed borders, it adds vibrant color to shaded gardens.
Vuyk’s Scarlet Azalea (Rhododendron hybrid)
A compact, evergreen hybrid, 3–4 feet tall and wide, with a rounded, mounding form and small, glossy, dark green leaves. Its brilliant scarlet-red, single flowers, 1.5–2 inches wide, bloom profusely in early spring in clusters of 3–5, with a light fragrance. Perfect for low borders, rock gardens, or containers.
Sweetbay Azalea (Rhododendron serrulatum)
A deciduous native, 5–10 feet tall and 4–8 feet wide, with an open, upright habit and medium green leaves that turn orange-red in fall. Its highly fragrant, white to pale pink flowers, 1–1.5 inches wide, bloom in late summer in clusters of 4–8. Suited for moist, shaded borders or near water features, it attracts pollinators.
Girard’s Fuchsia Azalea (Rhododendron hybrid)
An evergreen hybrid, 2–4 feet tall and 3–5 feet wide, with a compact, spreading habit and glossy, dark green leaves. Its vibrant fuchsia-purple flowers, 1.5–2 inches wide, bloom in mid spring in clusters of 3–5, with a mild fragrance. This low-growing shrub is great for foundation plantings or mass plantings.
Swamp Honeysuckle Azalea (Rhododendron viscosum var. montanum)
A deciduous native, 4–8 feet tall and wide, with an upright, open form and glossy, medium green leaves that turn yellow in fall. Its white to pale pink, tubular flowers, 1–1.5 inches wide, bloom in late spring with a strong, sweet fragrance, in clusters of 5–9. Ideal for wetland gardens or shaded borders.
Rosebud Azalea (Rhododendron hybrid):
An evergreen hybrid, 2–3 feet tall and 3–4 feet wide, with a compact, mounding habit and small, glossy, dark green leaves. Its double, rose-pink flowers, 1–1.5 inches wide, resemble rosebuds and bloom in early spring in clusters of 3–5, with a subtle fragrance. Perfect for containers or low hedges.
Choptank Azalea (Rhododendron hybrid)
A deciduous hybrid, 4–6 feet tall and wide, with a spreading, open habit and light green leaves that turn orange in fall. Its soft yellow to pink flowers, 1.5–2 inches wide, bloom in mid spring in clusters of 5–8, with a light fragrance. This cold-hardy shrub suits woodland gardens or mixed borders.
Satsuki Azalea ‘Gumpo White’ (Rhododendron indicum hybrid)
A low, evergreen shrub, 1–2 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide, with a spreading, mounding form and tiny, glossy, dark green leaves. Its single, pure white flowers, 1.5–2 inches wide, bloom in late spring in clusters of 2–4. Its dwarf size makes it ideal for rock gardens or ground cover.
Evergreen Azalea ‘Hershey’s Orange’ (Rhododendron hybrid)
This evergreen hybrid, 3–4 feet tall and wide, has a compact, rounded habit with small, glossy, medium green leaves. Its bright orange, single flowers, 1–1.5 inches wide, bloom in early spring in clusters of 3–5, with a subtle fragrance. It’s excellent for borders or containers in partial shade.
Poukhanense Azalea (Rhododendron yedoense var. poukhanense)
A semi-evergreen shrub, 3–6 feet tall and wide, with a low, spreading habit and medium green leaves that turn bronze in fall. Its single, lavender-pink to purple flowers, 1.5–2 inches wide, bloom in mid spring in clusters of 3–6, with a mild fragrance. Ideal for mass plantings or slopes.
Lemon Lights Azalea (Rhododendron hybrid)
A deciduous hybrid, 4–6 feet tall and wide, with an upright, rounded form and medium green leaves that turn yellow-orange in fall. Its lemon-yellow flowers, 1.5–2 inches wide, with a darker yellow blotch, bloom in late spring in clusters of 5–8, with a light fragrance. Suited for northern gardens or borders.
Autumn Sunburst Azalea (Rhododendron hybrid)
An evergreen hybrid, 3–4 feet tall and wide, with a compact, mounding habit and glossy, dark green leaves. Its coral-pink flowers with white edges, 1.5–2 inches wide, bloom in spring and rebloom in fall, in clusters of 3–5. This reblooming shrub is perfect for containers or mixed beds.
Mandarin Lights Azalea (Rhododendron hybrid)
A deciduous hybrid, 4–5 feet tall and wide, with an upright, open habit and light green leaves that turn red-orange in fall. Its vibrant orange-red flowers, 1.5–2 inches wide, bloom in early spring in clusters of 5–8, with a light fragrance. Cold-hardy, it’s ideal for northern woodland gardens.
Girard’s Pleasant White Azalea (Rhododendron hybrid)
An evergreen hybrid, 2–3 feet tall and 3–4 feet wide, with a dense, mounding form and small, glossy, dark green leaves. Its pure white, single flowers, 1–1.5 inches wide, bloom in mid spring in clusters of 3–5, with a subtle fragrance. Perfect for low borders or rock gardens.
Autumn Chiffon Azalea (Rhododendron hybrid)
This evergreen hybrid, 3–4 feet tall and wide, has a compact, rounded habit with glossy, dark green leaves. Its soft pink flowers with yellow centers, 1.5–2 inches wide, bloom in spring and lightly in fall, in clusters of 3–5. It’s a versatile choice for containers or mixed borders in mild climates.