Facts About Azaleas

Overview

Azaleas are members of the genus Rhododendron with two distinct varieties: evergreen and deciduous. Evergreen varieties (which stay green year round) are Rhododendron Tsutsusi and the deciduous (which lose their leaves in the fall and are dormant over winter) are Rhododendron Pentanthera. They can be identified by differences in the leaves and flowers. There are 16 native varieties and over 50 hybrid varieties.

Identification

Azaleas have five to six stamens in their flowers. Evergreen azalea flower colors range from purple to red and deciduous azalea flower colors range from white to pink and yellow to red.

Growing

Azaleas grow well in moderate climates with well drained, slightly acidic soil. They need to be well watered. Depending on the exact variety, they bloom from March until August.

Outdoor Care

Mulching with pine bark mulch will help protect roots during the winter and keep the soil the moist. The optimal time to prune is just after azaleas have bloomed to prevent cutting off next year's blooms.

Indoor Care

Azaleas need at least 4 hours per day of direct sunlight; place pots in a sunny window. Water azaleas frequently. Indoor plants will need to be fertilized every two weeks after they have bloomed.

Problems

Both indoor and outdoor plants are prone to fungal infections. Light spraying with a fungicide will help prevent infection. Caterpillars and weevils can be controlled with pesticide.

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