All the time people say to me; “Rhododendrons don’t do well or grow for me.” Right here and now I’ll tell you why that is so and how to fix it.
Which is Easier to Grow Azaleas or Rhododendrons?
Azaleas and rhododendrons are two of the most popular spring-blooming shrubs for gardens. With their masses of colorful flowers, they can really make your landscape stand out. But if you’re looking to add one of these eye-catching plants to your yard you may be wondering which is easier to grow, azaleas or rhododendrons? Let’s take a look at some of the key factors.
Blooming Habits
One of the biggest differences between azaleas and rhododendrons is when they bloom. Azaleas tend to bloom earlier in spring, with most varieties starting their display in April. There are some “reblooming” azaleas that will flower again later in summer too. Rhododendrons, on the other hand, generally bloom later, after azaleas, and have just one flower display.
For ease of growth, earlier bloomers like azaleas are sometimes considered preferable. Since they bloom before trees leaf out, their flowers are protected from late frosts Late-blooming rhododendrons can occasionally lose their flower buds to a surprise freeze However, staggering the bloom times allows you to prolong spring color in your garden, so both have merit.
Planting Considerations
Azaleas and rhododendrons actually have very similar planting needs. Both require well-drained but moist, acidic soil. Adequate moisture is especially crucial right after planting any new shrubs. Mulching around the base helps retain soil moisture. Since azaleas and rhododendrons thrive in the same conditions, choosing between them for ease of growth in this respect is not a major factor.
Ongoing Care
Caring for established azaleas vs. rhododendrons is also quite comparable. Here are some care tips:
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Water 1-2 times per week in dry periods, taking care not to oversaturate the soil.
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Fertilize in early spring and midsummer with an acid-forming fertilizer formulated for these plants.
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Prune immediately after blooming to shape plants and remove dead wood.
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Monitor for common pests like lace bugs and spider mites.
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Protect from harsh winter winds and deep freezes.
Both plants are relatively low-maintenance once settled. Rhododendrons may require slightly more pruning due to their larger size. But overall, ease of care is quite equal.
Hardiness and Size
One difference that may influence choice based on ease of growth is hardiness and size. There are low-growing azalea varieties that only reach 2-3 feet tall, making them a good option for rock gardens and borders. Most azaleas grow in the 3-6 foot range. Rhododendrons tend to be larger, with many varieties ultimately reaching 8-12 feet tall and wide.
This ties into climate hardiness too. Azaleas fare better in colder regions. Rhododendrons need some shelter from harsh winter winds and extreme lows. If selecting a rhododendron, pay close attention to its cold hardiness rating for your planting zone. Azaleas are typically hardier.
So for cold climates or smaller spaces, an azalea may be simpler to situate and grow successfully. But keep in mind, there are small, hardy rhododendrons available too.
Flower Color Range
Azaleas are available in a wide span of colors, including traditional white, pink, red, and purple, along with oranges, yellows, and more. Rhododendrons lean more toward classic pink, white, red, purple and sometimes yellow.
If you are seeking a specific color, azaleas provide more variety. For example, it can be tricky finding a true yellow or orange among rhododendron options. For maximum color choices, azaleas have an advantage.
Flower Shape and Size
The blooms also look a bit different. Rhododendrons have large, ball-shaped flower clusters ranging from 1-3 inches across. Azaleas produce 1-2 inch flowers that are funnel or tube-shaped, sometimes with ruffled petals. The stamens and other structures within the blooms are also distinct upon close inspection.
These visual differences ultimately come down to personal preference. Azalea and rhododendron flowers are both beautiful!
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Azaleas bloom earlier in spring, avoiding late frost risk.
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Both require similar planting conditions and care.
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Rhododendrons tend to be larger plants overall.
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Azaleas offer greater variety in flower colors.
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Azaleas are typically more cold hardy.
While azaleas edge out rhododendrons in some regards, keep in mind there are easy-growing rhododendron varieties too. In optimal conditions, and with proper plant selection, rhododendrons can be just as simple to cultivate.
The bottom line is that both rhododendrons and azaleas are excellent choices to add spectacular spring color. Following basic care guidelines, either can thrive. So make your decision based on the plant characteristics and visual appeal that best fits your landscape vision! With a little attention, you can enjoy these classics for years to come.
Rhododendrons Do Not Like Wet Feet!
They cannot tolerate any kind of moisture standing or collecting around their root systems. If you have a rhododendron or rhododendrons in your landscape that are struggling go outside, stand back and look very closely at the location of your rhododendrons and run through this check list.
1. What is the soil like in the planting bed?
2. Is it good topsoil that drains really well?
3. If you take a shovel and scoop out a shovel of soil from that area will the soil easily crumble into a small pile of soil, or will it remain in one solid lump?
4. Is your rhododendron near a downspout or does the gutter overflow anywhere near your Rhododendrons?
5. Is the rhododendron near the back of the bed and has the soil in that area settled to the point that it is lower than the surrounding areas of the bed?
6. Do you have an automatic watering system in the bed or do you regularly water the plants in that bed?
7. How much mulch do you have in that bed?
8. Do you ever loosen the mulch in the bed or just keep re-apply fresh mulch over what’s there?
9. How deep were your Rhododendrons planted when originally installed in the landscape?
All of these things can contribute to an environment that is not super healthy for Rhododendrons and other plants, especially evergreens and Japanese maples. Make sure that you’ve seen My Guide about Buying Good Topsoil. You really need to watch that short video. It’s an eye opener about what some are passing off as good soil.
A Side Note . . . (I am easily distracted.)
We have brand new member who told me that she is really good at propagating Dark Night Spirea and just stuck 600 cuttings that will be ready to sell in August. Immediately I said; “I’ll take at least 400, let me know when they are ready!” I think she quoted me $1.18 each. And I’m still on the hunt for thousands of other plants!
But anyway, I’m in Ohio and I had to order rhododendrons from Oregon, and even then all they had available was a mixed bag of a number of different varieties so I was able to get 600 plants, but many different varieties. That worked out good because in that lot were some Olga Mezitt Rhododendron and some Spring Parade Rhododendron. I was familiar with Olga Mezitt but didn’t have a lot of experience growing them and I had never even heard of Spring Parade.
Immediately both of these varieties grew very well for me, out performing many of the old standard varieties that I had grown in the past. I was really impressed with both and we sold a lot of them last spring at our plant sale.
Notice that Olga Mezitt is a dwarf Rhododendron and often mistaken for an evergreen azalea. But it’s not, it’s a dwarf from the PJM family of rhododendrons which bloom much earlier in the spring than evergreen azaleas.
How to Grow & Care for Azaleas – Keep Your Plants Healthy & Blooming Year After Year
FAQ
Are azaleas or rhododendrons easier?
They require acid soils and protection from the cold and wind. Azaleas tolerate more exposure to the sun and, therefore, drier conditions than rhododendrons and therefore, are easier for the average gardener to grow.
Can you plant azaleas next to rhododendrons?
Additionally, both of these shrubs prefer filtered light or afternoon shade. Rhododendrons and azaleas can often be found growing under the canopy of oaks or in the shade of pine. These trees also prefer acidic soils, making them ideal companions for azaleas and rhododendron.
Are rhododendrons difficult to grow?
Rhododendrons need moist, acid, loose, well-drained soil that contains a good bit of organic matter. This is why they’re hard to grow here.
What is the easiest azalea to grow?
Best Easy-Care Azaleas: Double Shot® Azaleas (Zones 6-9) Are you looking for a hardy, compact azalea that blooms not once, but twice a year? If so, try adding Monrovia’s exclusive Double Shot® Azaleas to your garden. Growing about 3′ tall and wide.