Azaleas and Rhododendrons , popularly known as Rhododendrons, are among the most beautifully flowering garden shrubs. At first glance, they are similar to each other. Their cultivation requirements, however, differ slightly, and a mistake can cost us dearly. So it's good to knowhow to tell the difference between azalea and rhododendronFortunately, it's quite simple. Here are 3 features to help you recognizewhether it is azalea or azalea!
Azalea and rhododendron - differences in the appearance of leaves
Fig. pixabay.com
How to distinguish azalea leaves from rhododendrons?
Azaleas and rhododendrons can be quickly distinguished by their leavesFirst of all, the leaves of azaleas change color in autumn and then fall into winter. The exception is Japanese azaleas, whose numerous varieties, in favorable weather conditions, retain their leaves through the winter. WhereasRhododendrons are always evergreen
Anotherdifference between azalea and rhododendron lies in the appearance of theleaves and we will see this difference at any moment, without waiting for fall. The leaves of rhododendrons are leathery, thick, long (up to 15 cm) and shiny, sometimes on the underside kinky hairy or covered with scales. Azalea leaves are smaller, soft to the touch, thin, and covered with stiff hairs, often on either side of the leaf blade. One-year-old azalea shoots are also hairy.
Another difference between azaleas and rhododendrons is the way the leaves are mounted on the stem . The leaves of rhododendrons are set on long petioles. In azaleas, the petioles are very short, almost invisible.
How to distinguish azalea and rhododendron flowers?
Azaleas and rhododendrons differ in flower structureAzaleas have funnel-shaped flowers, and rhododendrons have bell-shaped flowers.
Popularway to distinguish rhododendrons from azaleas is to count the stamens during floweringRhododendron flowers usually have 10 stamens, and azalea flowers have 5 stamens. , however, this method of discrimination works in most cases. Azalea flowers are generally smaller and appear earlier than rhododendrons, usually before the leaves appear.
Azalea and rhododendron - differences in flowers
Fig. pixabay.com
Azaleas and rhododendrons also differ in the shape of inflorescences.Azaleas have loose, often semicircular inflorescences, while rhododendrons have compact and spherical inflorescences
An important issue in distinguishing between azaleas and rhododendrons is the color of their flowersAmong azaleas, warm colors such as yellows, reds and oranges dominate. On the other hand, rhododendron flowers are always in cold tones, with a predominance of purple and pink. Even if rhododendron varieties have yellow flowers, they are in cold tones.Many azaleas, unlike rhododendrons, also have fragrant flowers
Azalea and Rhododendron - differences in height and habit
Azaleas and rhododendrons also differ in their habitIf we planted them next to each other, the difference would be visible at first glance. Rhododendrons form compact, dense shrubs in geometric shapes. Azaleas, on the other hand, have a loose and irregular habit.Rhododendrons also reach larger sizes than azaleasSome varieties can grow up to 4 m tall, while azaleas reach a maximum height of 2 m.
Azalea and rhododendron - differences in growth
Fig. pixabay.com
MSc Eng. Agnieszka Lach
