With their vibrant colored blooms and lush green leaves, rhododendrons are one of the most popular flowering shrubs. But their distinctive beauty can also make them easy to confuse with other plants. Here are 8 doppelgangers that are often mistaken for rhododendron.
An Overview of Rhododendron
Let’s start with a refresher on rhododendron’s key features. Rhododendrons are woody shrubs in the heath family typically reaching heights of 1-20 feet depending on variety. They have large oval or oblong leaves that are dark green and glossy.
Rhododendrons produce colorful blooms in late spring through summer Flower colors include white, pink, red, purple, orange and yellow The showy blossoms grow in dense clusters at the branch tips.
With over 1000 species, rhododendrons grow across Asia, Europe and North America. Some popular varieties are Rosebay, Catawba, Encore Azalea and P.J.M.
8 Lookalike Plants
1. Mountain Laurel
Native mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) is often mistaken for rhododendron. It has the same glossy elliptical leaves and grows in multi-stemmed clumps.
However, mountain laurel has clusters of small, cup-shaped white or pink flowers, unlike rhododendron’s bell-shaped blooms It also loses its leaves in winter while rhodos are evergreen.
2. Azalea
Azaleas belong to the Rhododendron genus but differ in being deciduous, while most rhododendrons are evergreen. Azalea flowers also have 5 stamens, whereas rhododendrons have 10. Most azaleas are smaller, growing under 6 feet.
3. Hibiscus
Tropical hibiscus shares similarities like woody stems and colorful blossoms. But its maple-shaped leaves and huge, short-lived flowers contrast with rhododendron’s elongated leaves and longer blooming flowers.
4. Oleander
Oleander’s glossy leaves and terminal flower clusters may resemble rhododendron. However, oleander has slender lance-shaped leaves and 5-petaled flowers, unlike the wide leaves and bell-shaped blooms of rhododendrons.
5. Chinese Magnolia
From afar, Chinese magnolia’s tulip-like white flowers and shrubby shape may seem similar to pale rhododendron blooms. Up close, the smooth-edged leaves and strong fragrance identify it as magnolia.
6. Frangipani
Frangipani’s large leathery leaves and flower clusters can suggest rhododendron. But its slender leaves arranged in spirals and exotic perfumed blooms set it apart from the opposite, wider rhododendron leaves and less fragrant flowers.
7. Andromeda
This rhododendron cousin shares some traits like bell-shaped flowers and small size. However, andromeda’s flowers dangle in chains versus rhododendron’s rounded clusters. Its narrow rolled leaves also contrast with rhododendron’s wider flat leaves.
8. Peach Trees
From afar, peach blossoms can resemble pale rhododendron flowers. But peach trees have serrated, spear-shaped leaves and strong fragrance, unlike smooth-edged rhododendron leaves with little scent.
How to Identify the Real Thing
Here are tips for confidently identifying a true rhododendron:
- Look for 10 stamens in bell-shaped flowers clustered at branch tips
- Seek broad, leathery evergreen leaves with smooth edges
- Examine woody shrubs reaching 1-20 feet tall depending on variety
- Check for scaly, reddish-brown bark
Using these identification cues along with comparing key traits like leaves, flowers and growth habit will help distinguish rhododendrons from their lookalike plants.
With their beautiful blooms and attractive foliage, rhododendrons bring great joy to gardens. But don’t let their doppelgangers lead you astray! Follow these tips to pick out the real rhododendrons from impersonating plants. Your confidence in identifying these flowering shrubs will grow as you get to know their distinguishing qualities.
What’s the difference between Azaleas and Rhododendrons – Plant Identification Guide
FAQ
What looks like a rhododendron?
Mountain laurel is often confused with rhododendron, but is in a different genus, Kalmia. Its white and pink flowers bloom from early May through June on trails and roadways throughout the park.
How to tell the difference between rhododendron and mountain laurel?
The rhododendron leaves are very similar to the mountain laurel and the two plants can be easily confused in the winter. The mountain laurel are smaller and they have more flowers on each shrub. The rhododendrons have fewer flowers but their displays tend to last a little longer than the mountain laurel.
How do you tell the difference between an azalea and a rhododendron?
Leaves: Rhododendrons generally have larger, thicker, and leathery leaves. Some species have a coating of scales or a ‘felt-like’ covering underneath. Azaleas, on the other hand, have smaller, thinner leaves, and the undersides are typically smooth and lack any noticeable texture.
What to replace rhododendron with?
