Species of Azaleas

Azaleas

• Azaleas are in the same plant family as blueberries, the Ericaceae or heath family. Botanically, they are in the genus Rhododendron, which also includes rhododendrons. Azaleas have fewer stamens per flower and smaller leaves than rhododendrons. Beginning in early spring, azaleas put on a floral display that is unmatched by other flowering shrubs. With different bloom times for different species, you can have azaleas blooming at least eight months of the year, according to the University of Georgia.

Native Species

• Many azaleas are native to the Southeast. They are usually planted in naturalized settings as understory plants instead of foundation plants because most of them are deciduous. Alabama azalea (Rhododendron alabamense) has white flowers with a slight yellow throat and strong citrus fragrance. Piedmont azalea (R. canescens) is light pink with a honeysuckle scent and grows to heights of up to 15 feet. Flame azalea (R. calendulaceum) earns its name by sporting fiery blossoms in shades of red, orange and yellow. Plumleaf azalea (R. prunifolium) has red flowers that are attractive to hummingbirds, according to North Carolina State University.

Asian Species

• Kurume azaleas (R. obtusum) are native to Japan, with cultivars in many colors, including the popular “Snow” variety with white flowers. Satsuki azaleas (R. indicum) are also native to Japan. Their flowers bloom later than other varieties and come in many patterns, including stripes, rings, speckles and contrasting margins. The popular “Gumpo” series are Satsuki azaleas. The University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service recommends planting Kurumes and Satsukis together to enjoy an extended bloom season with flowers persisting from early spring through summer.

Remontant

• Remontant, or reblooming, azaleas have taken the gardening world by storm. According to the University of Georgia, they were developed by Robert Lee in Independence, Louisiana, and introduced to the nursery trade in the late 1990s. They display two flushes of blooms -- one in spring and one in autumn, often with sporadic blooms during summer. Many reblooming cultivars have “autumn” in their names, such as Autumn Embers (red flowers), Autumn Rouge (rose flowers) and Autumn Amethyst (purple flowers).