Azalea

Azalea — Azaleas are flowering shrubs making up part of the genus Rhododendron. Originally azaleas were classed as a different genus of plant, but now they are recognised as two of the eight sub-genera of rhododendrons – subgenus Pentanthera (deciduous), and subgenus Titsushi (evergreen).

One major difference between azaleas and the rest of the rhododendron family is their size. Another is their flower growth; rhododendrons grow their flowers in stripers, while most azaleas have terminal blooms (one flower per flower stem). However, they have so many stems that during the flowering season they are a solid mass of colour. Azaleas are recognised by these flowers blooming all at once, in a showy display for a month or two in spring. The exception to this rule is a small group of azaleas which grow their flowers in tight terminal clusters.

Azaleas are beautiful flowering, semievergreen shrubs or small trees that belong to the genus Rhododendron and the heath family, Ericaceae. Although azaleas are native to southeastern Asia, North America, and southern Europe, they are found everywhere except Africa and South America. Horticulturists have developed numerous new varieties for landscape planting; both evergreen and deciduous types are available. Azaleas thrive in acidic soils (pH 4.5-6.5) and where they will receive direct sunlight for part of the day.