).They put on an unsurpassed show of color in woodland gardens in late March and early April.
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 Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
TheRhododendrongenus comprises bothazalea and rhododendronspecies.
For the most part,azaleas bloomearlier than rhododendrons.
Here are 10 popular types of azaleas to grow in yourflower garden.
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This often can be accomplished simply by mulching regularly with pine needs or another acid-rich organic material.
Regular feeding with an acidifying fertilizer will also do the trick.
It grows best in humusy, acidic soil with a moderate moisture level and good drainage.
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The cold-hardy Hi-Lights hybrids were created by crossing two very hardy American species,R.
canadense,with Exbury-pop in azaleas.
Reliably hardy to zone 4, they sometimes will even survive in zone 3 gardens.
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These showy flowers are excellent at attracting pollinators.
The shrub grows slowly, topping out at around 6 feet.
ensure you maintain adequate soil moisture, especially as the plant is establishing itself.
Jamie McIntosh
Lightly prune to shape the shrub after its done blooming.
In hot climates, give the plants some afternoon shade.
Remove spent blooms promptly to promote further flowering.
Jamie McIntosh
The blooms will attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators to your garden all season long.
Its an evergreen azalea, which makes it susceptible towinter weather damage.
Also, avoid heavy clay soil with poor drainage, which can lead to root rot.
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However, water consistently to prevent the roots from drying out.This cultivar was bred by crossingR.
‘El Capitan’ andR.‘Aladdin.’
It’s small and generally doesnt need much pruning outside of shaping it and removing dead or damaged portions.
Jamie McIntosh
‘Variegated Gem’ is a complicated hybrid, for which a cross betweenR.
‘Aladdin’ was bred with a cross betweenR.
‘Boudoir’ andR.‘Corporal.’
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Like otherdeciduousazaleas, they exhibit good cold tolerance and flower freely in the spring.
This variety has a moderate growth rate but typically needs little pruning.
Just verify your soil stays moist, fertile, and acidic for it to grow to its fullest potential.
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A partially shady location with acidic soil will keep this evergreen shrub happy for many years.
Unless you get a lot of rain, plan on watering at least weekly to ensure adequate soil moisture.
And keep the roots cool and moist with a layer of mulch.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Moreover, fertilizing your shrub after it blooms can promote more vigorous growth.
‘Mandarin Lights’ looks stunning when planted in a woodland garden.
It prefers evenly moist soil enriched with composted leaves or manure to increase acidity.
The shrub has a slow growth rate and typically doesnt require much pruning.
It also benefits from mulch around its base to keep the roots cool and the soil moist.
Korean Azalea (Rhododendron yedoense var.
poukhanense)
The Korean azalea is a naturally occurring species rather than a nursery hybrid.
Plus, the shrubs dark green foliage turns orange-red in the fall.
This slow-grower tends to extend wider than it is tall.
Like most types of azaleas, it prefers rich, acidic, evenly moist soil with good drainage.
A layer of mulch is helpful to protect its shallow root system.
Rhododendron ‘Girard’s Hot Shot’.Missouri Botanical Garden
Growing Azaleas and Rhododendrons.University of Missouri Extension
