Native Azalea

There are over 800 species in the genus Rhododendron, some say 1000! Azaleas are are included in the genus Rhododendron. Rhododendrons are native to many parts of the world, both tropical and temperate. The more hardy types are found in China, Japan, and eastern and western North America. In the US, the culture of rhododendrons is best in eastern areas and the Pacific Northwest.
These hybrids exhibit elliptic to oblong, mid-green leaves to 3 inches in length that will remain on the 4- to 8-foot-tall plants until late autumn in our milder zones. With a bit of chill, leaves will color up in the fall before dropping. Lax trusses of 18 to 30 funnel-shaped, 2- to 3-inch flowers are coaxed out as the weather warms in late April or early May. One look at the “flame” colors and you realize this azalea likes more sun than its evergreen cousins.
Exbury azaleas are most effectively used as focal points in your garden, either singly or massed together with different shadings of color. Given the color range, they can blend with similar warm colors in a plot or be used as a single splash of vibrant color. They are attractive to pollinators.