Azalea
From PlantWiki
| Azalea |
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 Paulownia in Blooms |
| Species |
| Azalea |
Contents |
History
Azaleas have existed on Earth for at least 50 million years. Evidence found in fossils show that these plants are the same now as they were before antiquity. This group of shrubs is actually a member of the Rhododendron family. Azaleas are mainly native plants in northern Asia and North America. In the wild they grow at the base of mountains in loose, freely draining soil.
The beauty of Azaleas has fascinated plant breeders for hundreds of years. The result of which is that there are literally thousands of named cultivars in existence. From native varieties and amazing hybrids (including the Encore Azalea series) forming over 25 different sub-families. The majority of Azaleas are broadleaf evergreens, but a few are grown that are deciduous and bare in winter.
Characteristics
Azaleas differ from Rhododendrons mainly because they are smaller sized. They also have many more stems and the flowers are produced on the ends of the stem. Due to the large number of stems that make up an Azalea shrub, in flower the leaves are literally smothered with radiant blooms.
The leaves of an Azalea are much smaller than those of a Rhododendron. The shrubs range from a petite 24 inches to a towering 20 feet in height. Azaleas require excellent drainage and a morning sun planting location. They are quite drought tolerant, once established and have little pest and disease problems. Their low maintenance character and exuberant blooming trait make them a traditional and beloved flowering shrub for the landscape.
Uses
The Azalea has been an important part of the spring flower show globally for centuries. Spring in southern US states is highly anticipated for the months on end of vibrant blooming. Azaleas are classified by bloom time as well as by size and types. The earliest blooms begin in April and latest flower in early June.
Because of the wide range of mature sizes available, Azaleas serve many roles as an ornamental woody shrub. They can be used as an accent plant, mass plantings, as hedges or low growing privacy screens or in a foundation planting.
Home Use
Most Azaleas are hardy in growing zone 6-9 and even in zone 5 if winters remain mild. There are newer hybrids that are hardy to -30F (zone 4). Unless the plant is rated as hardy for zone 5, Azaleas should be planted where they are completely sheltered from the winter wind.
Azaleas, having so many stems are easily sheared to maintain desired heights. It should be noted though that they are far more handsome if allowed to maintain a more natural shape. For the most part, the shrubs grow quite evenly and are best cared for with a clip here and there to maintain a full, lush shape as opposed to a harsh whacking with shears or hedge trimmers.
Those Azaleas that are evergreen are the most popular varieties for their all year weight in the landscape. In zone 7 and warmer, they make great container plants that will remain green all winter. Azaleas are quite at home in a planter and lend themselves very nicely to bonsai.
This highly collectible group of shrubs offers white, yellow, coral to pink and reds to purple blooming selections. There are also single, double and hose-in-hose bloom shapes to choose from. They tolerate wide range of climates and growing conditions, but never do well in clay soil unless grown in raised beds.