Evergreen Azalea Varieties

Types

• Belonging to the Rhododendron genus, evergreen azaleas come in many hybrid forms. Among them are Girard's Hot Shot, Martha Hitchcock, Mrs. L.C. Fisher, Red Red and Purple Pride. The Japanese native evergreen azalea called Rhododnedron indicum is another option, with the most commonly sold cultivar being Macrantha, according to the Missouri Botanical Garden. Atlanta is a form of the torch azalea, an evergreen hybrid shrub.

Size and Uses

• The tallest of the evergreen azaleas hybrid rarely grow to 6 feet. One large species is the hybrid known as Stewartsonian, a shrub growing to 5 feet high. Another is the Girard's Fuchsia, growing to 6 feet and appropriate for hedges and as a container plant. Most of the evergreen azalea varieties develop to between 2 and 4 feet high. These shrubs work along a foundation, in woodland gardens, as part of a shade garden or when planted in groups for their flowering in the spring.

Flowers

• Cascade, White Cascade, Moby Dick and Delaware Valley White generate white flowers. Evergreen azaleas such as Karens, Purple Splendor and Purple Pride turn out purple to lavender blooms. Hino-crimson, Girard's Hot Shot, Girard's Salmon and the Girard's Crimson forms produce reddish flowers. Carrie Amanda and Autumn Royalty feature purple-pink flowers. Nearly all of the evergreen azaleas bloom during April or May, with their flowering periods finished by June.

Growing Tips

• In the northern portions of their range, evergreen azalea withstand plantings in full sun, but summer sun often scorches the evergreen foliage. By planting them in partial shade or in a spot receiving sun mixed with shade from a tree overhead, you give evergreen azaleas a great chance to succeed. Strong winds hurt the shrub and the toxins produced from the root systems of trees such as black walnut, pecan and butternut prevent the shrub from growing. Anywhere you plant an evergreen azalea requires good drainage, or root rot will eventually become a problem.