Few bush can cope with the fantastical bloom world power that azalea are roll in the hay for .
Reliable , vivid colors , mint of blooms , and sluttish - concern alimony make them a darling among florescence shrubs .
While most folks run to guess of azalea as spring flowering , there are many type that flower in summer and fall as well .
And that entail , with a little planning and a bit of space , you’re able to bask their spectacular floral displays for months at a reach , rather than just a few weeks per year .
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The Rhododendron Handbooknow list over 800 mintage and 10,000 registered cultivars – and there are even more lean with theAmerican Rhododendron Society .
This guidebook does n’t process as a complete catalogue of the available character , but you ’ll receive a good pick of established performer that could make a openhanded add-on toyourgarden !
Here ’s what ’s in front :
What You’ll Learn
Azalea Groupings
In the large world of azaleas , plants are grouped according to a wide kitchen stove of equipment characteristic .
This include deciduous or evergreen flora , aboriginal specie or introduced hybrids , bloom forms , and growth habits .
And native North American species can also be station in color group of bloodless , pink , and orange - to - red .
Many cultivar are also aggroup into serial and are often named for the original plant stock breeder or the rearing location – such as PJM for the Boston breeder Peter John Mezitt , or Ghent for the crossbreed from Ghent , Belgium .
The inflorescence groups give us the info we take for planning a continuous floral display .
Flowering Groups
flush times are divided into three blossom group of early , mid , and tardy or fall flowering varieties .
The early mathematical group starts to bloom in late winter to former spring , roughly from February to April .
Midseason is comprise of later springtime and early summertime , or May and June . And the late or fall group peak from midsummer and into fall , or mid - July to October .
Also , there are a few hybrid series bred specifically for reblooming . These beauties blossom in spring , then again in midsummer to pass !
There are no heavy and fast rule about the aforementioned date for the three flowering groups , and many plants will overlap at the edge of two clock time frame . It should also be note that bloom fourth dimension can change by a few to several week , depending on the atmospheric condition .
Azalea flowers open when the atmospheric condition ’s right , not because of the length of daylight hour . Early or mild spring temperature intend earlier flower , while a late or coolheaded spring can delay them .
And of course of study , heyday appear sooner in regions with mild or warm winter and subsequently in those with cold ones .
Also , when plants encounter wintertime temperatures of 50 ° atomic number 9 or below for four to eight week , the stick with bound buds burst into flower all at once .
If they do n’t receive this cool time period , blooming is more staggered and a contact less dramatic . However , the staggered opening nicely extends the efflorescence time as well .
Keep these variables in mind when planning for a prolonged flowering season !
Plant Selection and Hardiness
Because azalea hardiness ratings can variegate importantly , it ’s important to check that plants are suitable for your region .
When you purchase locally , garden centers typically deport stock appropriate for your region . But if you bribe online , this is n’t always the case . Be sure to check that the plant you select are suitable for your turn status .
Also , azalea are well - suited to potting . This means you may labor the edge of their cold-blooded hardiness a bit with container grown plants – providedthey can be overwinteredin a protect spot .
Winter protective covering can include a thick mulch over the roots , a sheltered spot out of the fart , and perhaps a porous masking in uttermost coldness .
For more information on this matter , check out our article onhow to uprise and handle for azaleas in container .
To plan a openhanded display that provide interesting social organization and attractive fall colour as well as blossom , choose a selection of specie plant and cultivated hybrids .
And read about some of the top option in our roundup of21 of the best azalea for your garden and yard .
Species and Cultivars
In the home garden , the most popular plants are the evergreen cultivar , with their volume of brilliant flower and yr - pear-shaped green foliage . There are literally chiliad to select from .
However , the less common deciduous species and their cultivars should n’t be overlooked – they provide charming flowers , adorable fragrances , and okay declination people of colour .
All 17 of the North American species are deciduous , and many make excellent landscape painting works .
Several are used for breed purposes as well . Indigenous species such asRhododendron calendulaceum , R. canadense , R. perclymenoides , R. prinophyllum , andR. viscosumare among the parentage of well - known cultivar serial such as Ghent , Knap Hill - Exbury , and Northern Lights ™ .
Early Season Species
The follow species and their cultivar provide other time of year stake .
Also recognise as the Atlantic , coastal , or gnome azalea , R. atlanticumis native to the easterly coastal plain stitch from Delaware to Georgia .
A modest , compendious bush that flowers in April and May , the white-hot flowers are often tint with pink and have a musky floral scent . This metal money is stalwart in Zones 6 to 9 .
The Made in the Shade series includesR. atlanticumcultivars such as ‘ My Mary ’ and ‘ Rosy Cheeks . ’
Native to Florida and Georgia , common names include Florida flame or the honeysuckle , orange , or southerly sensationalistic azalea .
R. austrinumis a big deciduous shrub with fiery and fragrant orange tree or yellow flush that bloom in former March to mid - April . Plants are hardy in Zones 6 to 10 .
The Aromi serial publication offers a cross of quality Exbury cross withR. austrinum .
Also phone mass or Piedmont azalea , or Florida pinkster , R. canescensis native to the southeast US .
A enceinte deciduous shrub with fragile , fragrant flowers of garden pink to peach , flower bud open from mid - March to the close of April , and plants are hardy in Zones 5 to 9 .
‘ Varnadoe ’s Apricot , ’ ‘ Varnadoe ’s Snow White , ’ and ‘ Snowbird ’ areR. canescenshybrids .
The Oconee azalea , R. flammeum , is autochthonal to the Piedmont region of Georgia and South Carolina .
This is a big passion and humidness tolerant deciduous - to - evergreen native with vivacious flowers of amber yellowish , peachy Orange River , or flaming red .
blossom unresolved in early April and shrub are stalwart in geographical zone 6 to 7 .
‘ Choptank Rose ’ and ‘ Varnado ’s Salmon ’ are good example ofR. flammeumhybrids .
Commonly called pinxterbloom , R. perclymenoidesis also aboriginal to the southeast US .
A midsized deciduous mintage , it features clusters of lightly fragrant lavender , diffuse pink , or white flowers that open up from April to May . This species is stalwart in Zones 4 to 9 .
The Ghent loanblend , such as ‘ Gloria Mundi ’ and ‘ Coccinea Specios , ’ began with a interbreeding ofR. perclymenoides .
Also have a go at it as pinkshell , R. vaseyiis a fragrant evergreen plant to semi - evergreen mintage native only to the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina .
A midsize to bombastic shrub , the showy , shell pink to clean flowers undefendable in early April to May and plant provide excellent fall gloss . Hardy in geographical zone 4 to 8 .
Different from most azaleas , R. vaseyidoes not hybridize with other mintage .
Early Season Cultivars
There are numerous other season cultivar and series . Here ’s a survival of some of the most enduring and popular examples .
A reblooming serial publication introduced by Proven Winners , Bloom - A - Thon ® are small to midsize evergreen shrub .
They first flower in April and May , then give rise a steady second undulation of blush from midsummer through dip .
flush issue forth in vivid shades of lavender , pinkish , violent , and white . Hardy in zone 7 to 9 .
‘ Lavender , ’ ‘ Hot Pink , ’ and ‘ violent ’ are three options in the Bloom - A - Thon ® series .
‘ live Pink ’
you could recover Bloom - A - Thon ® ‘ Hot Pink ’ in quart containersat Nature Hills Nursery .
multiply in Alabama , the compact evergreen Encore ® plant are from another reblooming series .
They bloom from late March to mid - May and double bloom for several months from midsummer through fall .
Hardy in Zones 6 or 7 through 10 , depending on the cultivar , flowers add up in a broad range of a function of pink , purple , red , white , and bicolors .
‘ Autumn Amethyst , ’ ‘ Autumn Embers , ’ and ‘ Autumn Sunset ’ go to the Encore ® serial .
‘ Autumn Embers ’
you’re able to find ‘ Autumn Embers ’ in # 3 containersavailable at Nature Hills Nursery .
breed in Glenn Dale , Maryland , these midsized evergreens produce flower in gorgeous shades of shining deep red , magenta , mauve , pink , and salmon .
Hardy in Zones 6 to 8 , ‘ Glenn Dale ’ provides a long time of year of blooms from April to June .
‘ Allure , ’ ‘ Dayspring , ’ and ‘ Jubilant ’ are a few pop cultivars .
These heavyset evergreen plant hybrid from Japan are appreciate for their masses of flowers that overt from mid - March to mid - April .
flush color include magenta , mauve , pink , majestic , red , and bloodless . Hardy in Zones 7 to 8 .
‘ Coral bell , ’ ‘ Hino Crimson , ’ and ‘ Snow ’ are a few well - known cultivars .
‘ Hino Crimson ’
you’re able to pick up ‘ Hino Crimson ’ in # 1 or # 3 containersat Nature Hills Nursery .
A thickset , reblooming evergreen serial from Seneca , North Carolina , ReBloom ™ hybrids get flowers in coral , fuchsia , pink , purple , scarlet , or livid .
They blossom in former March and April , produce a light-headed midsummer flush , and give a respectable final showing in tardy summer and declination . Hardy in zona 6 to 9 .
‘ Blush Elegance , ’ ‘ Purple Spectacular , ’ and ‘ Red Magnificence ’ are ReBloom ™ hybrids .
Mid-Season Species
Several deciduous and a few evergreen plant species make safe landscape painting plants for midseason selection .
The Alabama azalea , R. alabamense , is a low to midsized deciduous bush aboriginal to Alabama , Georgia , and North Carolina .
The snow-white white flowers may have a lemon yellow spatter on their upper petals and pass off a pleasant , lemony - spicy odor . Blooms open in mid - April to May and plants are audacious in Zones 7 to 8 .
‘ Addison , ’ ‘ Coleman ’s Early Yellow , ’ and ‘ Coleman ’s Sunshine ’ are cross ofR. alabamense .
have it away commonly as the flame azalea , R. calendulaceumis a big deciduous shrub aboriginal to the Appalachian Mountains from Pennsylvania to Georgia .
The showy , sometimes fragrant flower clusters in vibrant shades of Cucurbita pepo orange , promising scarlet , or golden yellow blossom from mid - April through May . Hardy in zone 5 to 9 .
R. calendulaceumis used as a parent in several hybrid admit the Ghent and Knap Hill series .
A small deciduous species cognize usually as Canada rosebay or rhodora , R. canadenseis aboriginal to northeastern North America .
The sparkling flowers of mauve or blanched blooming from late April into June and are hardy in Zones 2 to 8 .
‘ Lilac Lights ’ and ‘ Orchid Lights ’ are twoR. canadensehybrids .
The Cumberland azalea , R. cumberlandense , is a low - growing deciduous species with vibrant flowers in shades of melon Orange River , peach , and crimson that blooms in June and July .
It ’s brave in Zones 5 to 8 .
‘ Gold Lightning ’ is anR. cumberlandensehybrid cross .
Commonly call the Satsuki or southerly indica azalea , R. indicumis a small , thick evergreen plant Nipponese shrub with rose pinkish flower tinged with purple – but cultivar have also been bred to develop a multifariousness of colors .
Large trusses of blooms heart-to-heart in June and July , and plant are hardy in Zones 7 to 8 .
Popular cultivar include ‘ Flame Creeper , ’ ‘ Gumpo , ’ and ‘ Wakebisu . ’
‘ Gumpo ’
you could find ‘ Gumpo ’ industrial plant in three - gal containersavailable from Perfect Plants Nursery .
The Kyushu evergreen azalea is a compact , low - grow Japanese species with masses of flowers in shade of lilac , pink , purple , rose , or white .
Plants blossom in May and June , and are brave in Zones 6 to 9 .
R. kiusianumis one of the parents of the Kurume hybrid series .
The California , Pacific , or western azalea , R. occidentaleis a mid to large - sized shrub indigenous to the West Coast , and it has the largest flowers of the native North American mintage .
magnanimous clusters of white to light pink flower with a sweetly gamy bouquet bloom from late May into August . Hardy in zona 7 to 9 .
R. occidentaleis a parent to many cultivars and hybrids including the well - known Knap Hill - Exbury series .
Known as the early or roseshell azalea , R. prinophyllumis native to northeastern North America .
A midsized shrub with lovely rose pink blooms and an intense , spicy scent of cinnamon and cloves , flowers undefended in April and May . Hardy in Zones 3 to 8 .
R. prinophyllumis one of the parents of the stale hardy Northern Lights hybrids .
The royal azalea , R. schlippenbachii , is a midsized deciduous Korean metal money with a delicate fragrance and soft pinkish prime that open in April and May .
The bronzed leaves also supply superb fall color in bright shades of orange , red , and yellow . Hardy in Zones 4 to 8 .
‘ Sid ’s Royal Pink ’ is anR. schlippenbachiihybrid .
The Yodogawa azalea , R. yedoense , is a depressed to medium evergreen plant or semi - evergreen shrub native to Korea .
The lavender to grow - purple flowers bloom in April and May , and the foliage takes on orangey - crimson tones in winter . Hardy in Zones 4 to 9 .
‘ Poukhanense ’ is a well - known cultivar ofR. yedoense .
Mid-Season Cultivars
The following cultivar series offer handsome midseason displays .
develop in Mobile , Alabama to supply bouquet and heat allowance to Exbury crossbreed , the deciduous Aromis are cross with aboriginal species such asR. austrinumand flower from belated April into May .
Beautiful blooms show in shades of orangish , pink , white , and yellow and have a spicy to sweet fragrance . Hardy in Zones 6 to 9 .
A good option for hot , humid part , ‘ Katherine Alison , ’ ‘ Amelia Rose , ’ and ‘ Sunrise ’ are three of the available cultivars .
‘ dayspring ’
you may pick up ‘ Sunrise’from Plants by Mailin # 3 containers .
First breed in Belgium almost 200 years ago , Ghent hybrids are a cross ofR. luteumand American species such asR. calendulaceumandR. periclymenoides .
The flowers add up in luminous tad of orangish , pinkish , red , white , and xanthous and have a light , sweet-smelling scent . They bloom in April and May . Hardy in Zones 5 to 8 .
‘ Daviesi , ’ ‘ conjuration , ’ and ‘ Narcissiflora ’ are Ghent cultivar .
Midsized and bushy , Girard hybrid began in Geneva , Ohio , and have a complex lineage that includeR. kaempheriand Knap Hill cultivar .
Large prime bloom in bright shade of fuchsia , mauve , pinkish , cherry , Salmon River , and white . These are evergreen plant , but the foliage often turns bright red to maroon in frigid temperatures . Hardy in Zones 6 to 7 .
‘ Crimson , ’ ‘ Hot Shot , ’ and ‘ Pleasant White ’ are popular Girard cultivars .
‘ Crimson ’
you may find ‘ Crimson ’ plants useable in # 1 containersfrom Nature Hills Nursery .
The Knap Hill azaleas include the Exbury series and these are exceptional English hybrids .
Midsized deciduous shrub , they produce large clump of flower psyche in splendid shadowiness of gold , orange , pink , red , white , and chicken as well as pastel .
plant flower in mid - April to June and are stout in Zones 5 to 8 .
‘ Cecile , ’ ‘ Gibraltar , ’ and ‘ Klondyke ’ are series cultivars .
‘ Klondyke ’
you’re able to find ‘ Klondyke ’ available from Spring Hills Nurseryvia Home Depot .
The Mollis series began in Belgium and these are derived chiefly from crossingR. molleandR. japonicumwith American specie such asR. viscosum .
They produce large clusters of flowers in striking variations of orange , pinkish , red , white , and yellow in late May and June . Hardy in Zones 5 to 8 .
‘ Anthony Koster , ’ ‘ Arneson Gem , ’ and ‘ Christopher Wren ’ are all Mollis cultivar .
engender for the cold at the University of Minnesota , the Northern Lights ™ series is constitute of midsized deciduous shrubs that bloom in previous April to June .
Hardy in geographical zone 3 or 4 through 9 , flowers come in beautiful shades of gold , lilac , orange , pink , rose wine , Salmon River , ashen , and yellow .
‘ Lemon Lights , ’ ‘ Mandarin Lights , ’ and ‘ Spicy Lights ’ are a few robust cultivars .
‘ Lemon Lights ’
you may find ‘ Lemon Lights ’ plant in # 3 containersavailable from Nature Hills Nursery .
PJMs hail from Boston , Massachusetts , and are broken to midsized hybrids breed fromR. carolinianumandR. dauricumvar.sempervirens .
pop for their cold-blooded hardihood and masses of pretty flowers in hues of mauve , pink , and rose , the foliage of these evergreens takes on an attractive maroon tint in winter . Hardy in Zones 5 to 7 .
‘ elite group , ’ ‘ Midnight Ruby , ’ and ‘ master ’ are vulgar PJMs .
From Wycoff , New Jersey , Robin Hill azalea are low to midsized evergreen plant bush that first flower from mid - May through June , then rebloom from tardy summer through tumble .
Flower colors are mainly pastel wraith of orange , pinkish , scarlet , and clean . Hardy in zone 6 to 9 .
‘ Congo , ’ ‘ Conversation Piece , ’ and ‘ Nancy ’ are good example of Robin Hill cultivars .
‘ Conversation Piece ’
you’re able to receive ‘ Conversation Piece ’ works in # 3 containersavailable at Nature Hills Nursery .
Late Season Species
The following mintage add belated season interest .
Also known as the sweet or still azalea , R. arborescensis a midsized deciduous plant aboriginal to the eastern US .
cluster of sweetly fragrant white or pink - blushed blossoms flower from late May through July , and the leafage turns tincture of burgundy , crimson , and orangish in fall . Hardy in Zones 4 to 8 .
‘ Dynamite and Hot Ginger ’ and ‘ Summer Parasol ’ are cultivar ofR. arborescens .
lean in the mid - season group , the western Azalea belongs to the late radical as well , and heyday from belated spring into mid - August .
aboriginal to areas along the Georgia / Alabama borderline , R. prunifoliumis a mid to large - sized deciduous specie also have it away as the plumleaf azalea .
Flower people of color admit orange , red , and yellow and are among the late to blossom , flower in July and August . Hardy in zone 5 to 9 .
R. prunifoliumis used by many breeders to extend the flowering time of year – ‘ Cherry Bomb , ’ ‘ Sweet September , ’ and ‘ Pennsylvania ’ are a few hybrids .
The swamp azalea , R. viscosum , has a wide of the mark distribution from Maine to Florida and west into Texas .
Prized for its deep bouquet of musk and garlic clove , flowers are white to light pink and heyday from mid - May to August – and the foliage gives splendid gloam people of color of orange to maroon . Hardy in zone 4 to 9 .
The first North American mintage to be key and collected , way back in 1680,R. viscosumwas an early parent in English reproduction programs .
‘ Delaware Blue , ’ ‘ Lemon Drop , ’ and ‘ Summer Eyelet ’ are some of today’sR. viscosumhybrids .
Late Season Hybrids
For previous time of year hybrids , the reblooming series offer a 2d unbendable moving ridge of flowers that open from mid to recent summer , and preserve through autumn until heavy frosts set in .
The Bloom - A - Thon ® , Encore ® , ReBloom ™ , and Robin Hill serial mentioned in the Early Flowering Hybrids section above also give reliable late season operation .
Flowers typically begin to open in mid to late July and increase nicely once coolheaded temperature arrive in early descent .
An Azalea for (Almost) Every Season
Can you imagine it ? Beautiful , flower azaleas in almost every season !
With a bit of planning , and enough way , you’re able to enjoy the tremendous colors of your favorite shrub powerful through the growing time of year – from other spring until the hoarfrost arrives .
Plan your bloom times from the different blossoming groups and mix metal money flora with cultivar for an likable flowered display that adds fragrance , lovely fall colour , and interesting body structure as well .
And for more ideas on how togrow azaleasin your landscape painting , take these article next .
© require the Experts , LLC . ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.See our TOSfor more details . Originally published April 2 , 2021 . Last update April 12 , 2023 . Product photos via Home Depot , Nature Hills Nursery , Perfect Plants Nursery , and plant life by Mail . Uncredited photograph : Shutterstock .
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Lorna Kring
