Azalea
Few plants can rival the spectacular floral displays of azaleas. Their vivid colors, profusion of flowers, and adaptability to a wide range of soils and climates make them one of the most popular flowering shrubs
Botanically, azaleas are members of the Ericaceae (Heath) family, which includes blueberries and mountain laurel. All azaleas are rhododendrons, and both are in the genus Rhododendron. The term “rhododendron,” however, is commonly used to refer to the group of plants usually with large, leathery, evergreen foliage, while “azalea” refers to those with smaller, thinner leaves. Generally, azaleas and rhododendrons have the same cultural requirements.
Kurume azaleas are one of the most commonly grown azaleas in Georgia. They were imported from Kurume, Japan, to the Arnold Arboretum in Boston in the early 1900s and soon made their way into the nursery trade. Most Kurume hybrids are low- to medium-growing shrubs (2 to 3 feet), but a few grow to 5 to 6 feet.
Flowers are small but quite numerous, often masking the foliage. Colors range from white to pink, salmon or red, and some are bicolored. Most are cold hardy throughout Georgia. Popular Kurume hybrids include ‘Hinode Giri’ (rose-red flowers), ‘Coral Bells’ (soft pink flowers), and ‘Snow’ (white flowers).
