wide (7 cm), is elegantly frilled and flushed red orange with a gold tinge. include about 1,000 different species native to various habitats across the Northern Hemisphere. A few shade trees are compatible with azaleas and rhododendrons, most notably the red oak (Quercus rubra). After ten years of growing, it reaches about 10 feet in height, with a width of 8 feet. I have never fertilized my hydrangeas, but have some fertilizer (pellet form) that I bought specifically for the rhodos and azaleas. The main difference between peonies and hydrangeas are their flowers. Both prefer well drained soils with an acidic pH between 5 and 5.5. The final separation is that many azaleas are deciduous. Roughly 28,000 different cultivars exist today -- … An important difference between the potted variety of hydrangea (usually bought at a florist as a foil-wrapped bunch of hydrangeas) is that both foil-wrapped and pre-potted hydrangea that are bought at the store are often grown in greenhouses to speed up the flowering process. Since azaleas and rhododendrons prefer some shade, choose a compatible shade tree to grow nearby. By far the greatest species diversity is in eastern Asia, notably Korea, China, and Japan. Are you familiar with the evergreens and flowering shrubs? Many recognize these due to their large flower heads that are purple, blue and pink. Pee Gee is bigger than Limelight. This tree is also a pollution-tolerant tree, an important factor in urban and suburban landscaping. Some hydrangeas, many in the macrophylla family, start producing flower buds this summer for the following year. Another difference is the curling direction for the edges of the leaves. Most are shrubs 1 to 3 meters tall, but some are small trees, and others lianas reaching up to 30 m (98 ft) by climbing up trees. These are the most cold hardy hydrangea and can grow from zones 3 to 7. Since 1945, PJM rhododendrons have been used for mass plantings in the garden, as foundation plants and as specimens. Beautiful for the perennial border as it works well with other flowers. It is best to plant Azaleas, Camellias, Rhododendrons, and Hydrangeas in a shady location. Another notable difference is the smaller stems and branches when compared to Rhododendrons. Landscaping enthusiasts seem content to group all the varieties together -- both in their vocabulary and in their yards -- as long as they get to enjoy the beautiful pictures these long-time gardening favorites paint on their landscapes! Climbing hydrangeas are native to Asia (Japan, Korea and Siberia) and can grow in zones 4 to 8 and are becoming more popular due to the uniqueness of growing up structures and having large blooms. New Englanders looking for a type native to their region will be interested in Rhododendron canadense or "Rhodora azalea.". Hybrid rhododendrons are those which have been bred as a cross between different varieties to produce more spectacular flowers. The foliage on these hydrangeas also changes color in the fall and are the only type of hydrangeas that do that. Azaleas and rhododendrons are not desert plants; they like water. Also called Hydrangea petiolaris, these can grow 30 to 80 feet long. This is the most common type of hydrangea found in the United States. If you would like improve the blue color of your hydrangeas or change them to blue, then we recommend you apply the Master Nursery Hydra Blue three times between November & May. It becomes a maximum of 5 feet high and 6 feet wide. To distinguish between the two plants, look first at the leaves. Soil pH should be about 5.5; have your garden soil tested first before planting azaleas and rhododendrons. An annual plant lives its entire lifespan in a single growing season. Difference Between Mountain Laurel & Rhododendrons. Despite being known as shrubs that grow in shade (dappled shade, preferably), some varieties tolerate (or even prefer) full sun if given enough water. I. Mophead Hydrangeas. The difference between an azalea and a rhododendron is that an azalea is deciduous, meaning it loses its leaves in the fall. These are large blooms typically start white and may turn to pink. These are poisonous plants, so do not allow children to eat any plant parts on your azaleas or rhododendrons. Difference Between Rhododendron & Azalea. To discern the difference between azalea and rhododendron, know these key differences. serrata. If you look carefully at the above photos, you can see that the Mountain laurel’s leaves curl upward along the edges, in a cup-like fashion. The genus of Rhododendron is in the heath family, which also includes its namesakes, the heathers (Calluna vulgaris), Andromeda (Pieris japonica), and mountain laurels (Kalmia latifolia). Rhododendron species as found in the wild grow, flower, are pollinated, and set seed.The seedlings are usually pollinated by the plants of the same species and generally look similar to the parent plants, though there may be small, and sometimes considerable, variations among them. Annuals and Perennials: The Lifespan. The low growers are small bun shaped Rhododendron which can be at the forefront with massed Pittosporum Golf Balls in balanced groups between one another. Rhododendrons are almost always evergreen with only a few exceptions. Be careful not to overfertilize. Azaleas, in contrast, are deciduous - losing their leaves in the winter - with funnel shaped flowers. Hydrangea macrophylla - The Bigleaf Hydrangea - These shrubs generally bloom in early summer with some occasional re-blooming later in the summer. P.J.M. This shrub typically produces 1 to 3 flowers per stem and each bloom can host 5 to 6 stamen. Azaleas are really rhododendrons. They like to be set high on a mound so the drain well. Hydrangea macrophyllaHydrangea serrata - a smaller bush than H. macrophylla with smaller leaves and flowers. Hydrangea (/ h aɪ ˈ d r eɪ n dʒ i ə /) common names hydrangea or hortensia, is a genus of 70–75 species of flowering plants native to Asia and the Americas. Apply an organic mulch to protect its shallow roots from water loss and extremes in soil temperature. Azalea Requirements Stunning in woodland gardens and shrub borders, rhododendrons and azaleas (Rhododendron spp.) The flowers of French hydrangea will vary depending on the pH of the soil in which the shrub is growing. You can't say that all hydrangeas flower on new wood or that all spireas bloom on old growth. Jul 15, 2017 - Azaleas and rhododendrons are closely related but different types of plants. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer's label, except for the amount of fertilizer to apply. Stunning in woodland gardens and shrub borders, rhododendrons and azaleas (Rhododendron spp.) So if you read the botanical name of a common azalea on a plant label at the nursery, you will likely see the word, "Rhododendron.". Number of Stamen – these are the little twig-like pollen-filled stems found inside the flowers. Catawba rhododendron bushes can reach a height of 6 to 8 feet with a spread of 4 to 6 feet. A good time to fertilize azaleas and rhododendrons is right after the plants have finished blooming. There are 3 different types of hydrangea macrophylla; mophead, lacecap and mountain hydrangeas. The thing to remember is all azaleas are rhododendrons but not all rhododendrons are Azaleas. Only morning sun is recommended because afternoon sun causes burning on the leaves. Azaleas are part of the genus Rhododendron but they are different enough from other species within the genus to divided into a sub-grouping. Hydrangeas, however, are less sensitive and will tolerate soils with a higher pH. Also called French hydrangeas, florist's hydrangeas, & hortensia. They have a matte surface and a courser texture than the smooth leaf of the mophead. It's leaves are shaped much like those of a red oak. Rhododendrons are acid-loving plants. What are the differences in hydrangeas? It is also one of the most widely grown. Difference Between Mountain Laurel & Rhododendrons. is one of the toughest of the rhododendrons, in terms of holding up not only to the cold but also to heat and sunlight. I don't understand the proper difference josusa. It can be used for any acid-loving plants, such as blueberries, camellias, rhododendrons, evergreens, hydrangeas and more. The color will change from orange to red to mahogany. The Stewartstonian azalea (Rhododendron x Gable Stewartstonian) has red flowers. These are easy to spot because they are actually vines. In addition, rhododendron flowers have ten stamens, while azaleas have five stamens. Variable species native over a wide area of Japan, with different forms occurring on virtually every mountain range in the southern half of the island chain. I do know that all azaleas are part of the rhododendron family. They are approximately 4"-6" long and 3"-5" wide, but in some cases, they may grow even larger. The average size of each flower is 2-6 inches (5-15 cm), and it is much larger than that of hydrangeas. Their edges are coarsely toothed. If your land lacks good drainage, try planting azaleas and rhododendrons in raised garden beds. The scientific name for lacecap hydrangeas is Hydrangea macrophylla normalis. Some PJM varieties grow up to 6 feet tall, while others have a lower, more spreading habit. Rhododendrons (common name) are those that remain evergreen into the winter with bell-shaped flowers. Oct 28, 2016 - At first glance, rhododendrons and azaleas seem to be nearly the same plant. Most members of the heath family require acidic soil. Another notable difference is the smaller stems and branches when compared to Rhododendrons. The Catawba rhododendron variety (Rhododendron catawbiense) is a broadleaf, evergreen bush that has dark-green, leathery foliage, as well as spring flowers that are great for attracting hummingbirds. Instead of fuzz, the undersides of their leaves are dotted and scaled. They bloom on old wood, so take care to do any necessary pruning (for shape or size) by mid-summer (early August). When to Feed a Rhododendron. Hydrangeas definitely do best in dappled shade and can cope in neutral soil. Hydrangeas definitely do best in dappled shade and can cope in neutral soil. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series. A north or east side of a house, and/or under a tree with filtered shade is good. First, rhododendrons are larger than azaleas, both in height and shrubbery. Learn the difference, and seven types to consider for your garden. The botanical name for those is Schizophragma hydrangeoides and this plant is native to Japan. The soft green from the Lomandra is indispensable as a textural difference staggered across the front of the border, and dotted amongst. The scientific name for mountain hydrangeas is Hydrangea macrophylla ssp. Red oak is a fast grower, eventually reaching a height of 60 to 75 feet with a spread of 40 to 50 feet. Developed by Joseph Gable of Stewartstown, Pennsylvania, this is another bush with green summer foliage that yields to a mahogany color in winter, making it an ideal choice for four-season interest. This evergreen can be grown in zones 6 to 9. Slightly fragrant, they blanket this midseason Knaphill hybrid in an exc… Pee Gee Hydrangea and Limelight Hydrangea Pee Gee has a bigger size. Rhododendrons, for instance, are supposed to require an acid soil. Often mistaken for one another, mountain laurel and rhododendron are flowering, evergreen shrubs that share more similarities than differences. More telling is that azaleas will have one-stem flowers while rhododendrons have them in trusses or clumps of flowers not dissimilar to hydrangeas that look like balls of flowers. P.J.M. The stamens of a flower are those thin stems sticking out (they are male flower parts and produce pollen). The shrub is best-suited to partial shade. These are the most popular bigleaf hydrangea. The flowers of P.J.M. The Rhododendron genus is large and complex with over 900 species. I actually like to plant them in areas of more direct sunlight even though most people think they are shade loving plants they really do well in direct sunlight as well. Oakleaf hydrangeas are similar to paniculatas (old specimens were tall but new introductions are compact). Miracle-Gro Miracid Plant Food feeds acid loving plants including Rhododendrons, Azaleas, and Hydrangeas only and is not meant to be used on lawns or trees such as evergreens. They are smaller, thinner, and rougher than leaves of the mophead hydrangea, typically 3"-6" long and 3"-4" wide. Hydrangeas can fall victim to bacterial wilt, root rot, bud or flower blights, or leaf spots. Both rhododendrons and hydrangeas are sensitive to soil pH, and both grow best in acidic soils with a pH level between 5 and 5.5.Hydrangeas, however, are less sensitive and will tolerate soils with a higher pH. The Difference Between Wild Oakleaf Hydrangea & Alice? You will want to fertilize your plants twice a year – In early spring and late fall. These specialty fertilizers contain ammonium-N, which lowers soil pH. When you apply the fertilizer in late fall, only use half of the recommended dosage. Blaauw's Pink azalea (Rhododendron Blaauw's Pink) has salmon-pink flowers. David Beaulieu is a garden writer with nearly 20 years experience writing about landscaping and over 10 years experience working in nurseries. It is a good choice for foundation plantings and large rock gardens. In either case, water well after planting azaleas and rhododendrons. Fertilizing rhododendron bushes isn’t necessary if the shrubs are planted in fertile soil. A special plant food that creates the ideal growing environment for acid-loving plants like azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias, dogwoods, magnolias, gardenias, orchids and all evergreens. Here is a quick rundown on the primary qualities of each. The leaf stems (petiole) are long and hold the leaf away from the main stem. Do not apply fertilizer at planting time. It takes several decades for Pee Gee to achieve such a large size. Blooms may be the tradition pinks, purples and whites, but also include yellows and dark red varieties. Varieties of P.J.M. Azaleas and rhododendrons like well-drained soil, not dry soil. Mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) naturally grows only in the eastern United States' forests. Install balled-and-burlapped plants in late fall or early spring. Each flower consists of 4 narrow, crinkled, strap-shaped petals with red-p… Both grow best in moist, well-drained, organic-rich soils with an acidic pH. Exposure for all of the varieties below is full sun to part shade. They need filtered/dappled sun or morning sun only. Panicle hydrangeas are known for their cone shaped flower heads. By: ... Rhododendron blossoms are larger, with obvious five-petal lobes. Unlike Stewartstonian and Blaauw's Pink azaleas, the next three examples of azaleas are deciduous shrubs: Planting azaleas and rhododendrons in a spot cooled by at least a bit of shade is a step in the right direction in their proper care. The Difference Between Azaleas and Rhododendrons. Rhododendrons (Rhododendron spp.) Azaleas vs. Rhododendrons. Download the PDF for … However, they bloom earlier; their … The leaves of PG hydrangeas are relatively easy to identify when compared with other hydrangeas. Within the rhododendrons, themselves, leaf-size comparisons are used to make a further division between large-leaf and small-leaf types. These are sometimes planted as hedges because of their size. The green of its summer foliage yields to a mahogany color in winter, which is a plus for those seeking year-round interest on the landscape. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A RHODODENDRON AND AN AZALEA? Also, there is an easy guide at the bottom of this article to quickly read through the information. We've made this ultimate guide to help you identify hydrangeas easily by looking at images for reference as well as main characteristics that each type commonly have. Rhododendrons have large, leathery, blue-green leaves with sometimes brownish undersides. In early to mid spring, it bears a profusion of small clusters of light violet-purple flowers which contrast beautifully with aromatic foliage. Large petals complement the beauty of flowers. Noted for its abundant flowering, the quality of its foliage and its pleasant fall colors, Hamamelis x intermedia 'Pallida' is one of the most popular hybrid witch hazels and one of the finest winter-flowering shrubs. Rhododendrons will not do well in wet soil around their roots. In general, mophead and lacecap leaves are relatively thick and crisp, somewhat shiny, and often heart-shaped. Displays are most effective when rhododendron bushes are massed together. Mulching is an essential part of proper care for azalea bushes and rhododendrons. The leaves are typically thin and smooth with fuzzy undersides. This will promote a more attractive, compact shape. Why to grow shrubs in the garden Firstly, shrubs provide structure , colour, interest, and a lot of character in garden designs, no matter what the size or style of your space. Snowball hydrangea shrubs grow 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 m.) tall, while the viburnums grow 6 to 10 feet (1.8 to 3 m.) tall. To distinguish between the two plants, look first at the leaves. In general, mophead and lacecap leaves are relatively thick and crisp, somewhat shiny, and often heart-shaped. Mopheads and lacecaps have identical leaf forms. Difference between Rhododendrons and Azaleas. These bushes can tolerate hotter climates and are hardy from zones 4 to 7. It is easy to see where the Oakleaf Hydrangea gets its name. 10 Types of Azaleas for the Flower Garden, These Street Trees Can Withstand Road Pollution, 29 Shrubs That Grow in Full or Partial Shade, 15 Recommended Flowering Shrubs for Your Home, 15 Red-Flowering Plants to Consider for Your Garden, Weeping Cherry Trees and Other Cascading Trees. Be aware, there is no scientific basis to my thoughts, it's just how I personally differentiate between … If garden soil is poor, or you use certain types of mulch that deplete nitrogen in the soil, feeding rhododendrons is one way to provide the plants with nutrients. The little buds in the center of the lacecap are the fertile flowers, and the large showy blossoms around the outer edge are the sterile flowers. These are large blooms typically start white and may turn to pink. ). However, there are examples when these hydrangeas reached a height of 20 or even 25 feet. The leaves of arborescens are generally heart shaped, thin, and floppier than the mopheads (macrophylla). We do carry several lawn and plant fertilizers here that would better suit those depending on your needs. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. Exceptionally cold hardy and almost impossibly beautiful, Rhododendron 'Ramapo' is a very compact evergreen shrub that is highly rated for cold climates. That's a great question that has an answer with a "twist". Light: Rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias all prefer three–four hours of direct sunlight in order to grow densely and bloom reliably. These are also called wild hydrangeas, these shrubs are native to the United States. That do that size, peony flowers look very impressive in a shady location in large amounts and,... 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