Hybrid Azalea Bush Details

What Is a Hybrid?

• A hybrid azalea is the result of a cross between two different species of azaleas, between a hybrid and a species or between a hybrid and a hybrid. In short, it's a "mixed breed" plant. Because hybrid azaleas are crosses, they won't grow true from seed; they may display any number of characteristics. Cloning the parent, or asexual reproduction through root cuttings, is the only way to reproduce the same characteristics of the parent.

How Many?

• The term "cultivar" is a combination of the words "cultivated" and "variety." According to the Azalea Society of America, there are more than 10,000 named or registered cultivars of azaleas, although not all of these are available commercially. This is because some hybridizers have created plants in their backyard or for personal enjoyment. Groups of hybrids that share the same creator are known as a hybrid group. A few of the hybrid groups of azaleas include Aromi, Holly Springs, Satsuki, Kerrigan and Kurume.

Flowers

• The flowers of the different hybrids are nearly as diverse as the cultivars themselves. Single-flowered azaleas have five or six petals, hose-in-hose flowers have 10 to 12 petals, double-flowered azaleas have many petals and double hose-in-hose flowers have 30 or more flowers. Colors include any shade of red, pink, purple, white, red, orange and yellow; some hybrids may produce different-colored flowers. Flowers also vary greatly in size, from 1/2 inch to 5 inches.

Care and General Information

• Most azaleas grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 8, although a few are much more cold-hardy, and others can stand more heat. In general, hybrid azaleas prefer a somewhat shady location with an acidic, well-drained but moist soil.