Rhododendron

( roh - duh - DEN - drun )

At-A-Glance Information

Azaleas are a type of Rhododendron, and it is easy to see the resemblance when you look at the two plants next to each other. Both plants are included in this plant profile.
Azalea
Rhododendron
These plants can be evergreen or deciduous, but both types have vibrant flowers that add pops of color to your garden.
Both Azalea and Rhododendron are included in the family Ericaceae. There are about 10,000 different species of Azalea and 1,024 different species of Rhododendron currently grown. These plants can be low-growing or tall, weeping or upright, and flower at different times of the year depending on the species. The ideal growing zones for Azalea and Rhododendron vary depending on the species; for more information, see the descriptions below (to find your zone, click here: Zone Map). The extensive species list below is divided into Azaleas and Rhododendrons.

Azalea Species and Varietals

The Azaleas listed below are divided into evergreen and deciduous varieties, with each category containing hybrid groups and species. Use Azaleas to add color to beds and borders, as specimen plants, in containers, or as hedge or privacy plants.

Evergreen VArieties


​Brooks Hybrids
These Azaleas grow in zones 8, 9, and 14-24. They are hardy to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, are heat and drought tolerant, and have a compact form and large flowers that vary in color. Varietals include 'Madonna', 'My Valentine', and 'Red Wing' (pictured).

​Encore Hybrids
Zones 5-9 and 14-24. This group includes around two dozen varieties, and were bred to bloom up to three times per year starting in springtime (esp. in warmer climates). They bloom on both new and old wood. Varietals include 'Autumn Embers', 'Autumn Ruby', and 'Autumn Twist' (pictured).

​Gable Hybrids
This group grows well in zones 4-9 and 14-24. They are hardy to zero degrees Fahrenheit. In zones 4-6, these shrubs may lose leaves during the winter months. They bloom heavily in midseason. Varietals include 'Caroline Gable', 'Herbert', 'Karen', 'Louise Gable' (pictured), 'Pioneer', 'Rosebud', 'Purple Splendor', and 'Rose Greeley'.

​Girard Hybrids
This group of azaleas was bred from the Gable Hybrids, and are strong performers. Varietals include 'Girard Border Gem', 'Girard Chiara', 'Girard Rose' (pictured), 'Girard Fuchsia', 'Girard Hotshot', and 'Girard Roberta'.

​Glenn Dale Hybrids
This group of Azalea shrubs grows best in zones 4-9 and 14-24. They are hardy to zero degrees Fahrenheit, though they do drop some leaves as the weather gets colder. Some varieties in this group are tall and others are compact. Growth rate also varies. Some have small leaves and others have large leaves. Popular varieties include 'Buccaneer', 'Delaware Valley White', 'Everest', 'Glacier', and 'Pearl Bradford'.

​Gold Cup Hybrids
These Azaleas grow well in zones 14-24. They make good landscaping shrubs in areas where it doesn't get colder than 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Varietals include 'Easter Parade' (pictured), 'Sun Valley', and 'White Orchids'.
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​Robin Hill Hybrids
These shrubs grow well in zones 4-9 and 14-24. They are hardy to 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Most are 2-4 feet tall, though some are dwarf varieties. This group includes 'Betty Ann Voss', 'Conversation Piece', 'Nancy of Robin Hill', 'Robin Hill Gillie' (pictured), and 'Hilda Niblett'.

​Satsuki Hybrids
These shrubs grow in zones 5-9 and 14-24. This group is sometimes referred to as 'Gumpo' and 'Macrantha' Azaleas. They are hardy to 5 degrees Fahrenheit. Some can be used in hanging baskets. Their large flowers come in late in the season. Well-known varieties include 'Flame Creeper', 'Gumpo', 'Gumpo Pink', 'Hi Gasa', 'Nuccio's Wild Cherry', and 'Nuccio's Wild Moon' (pictured).

Deciduous Varieties


​Fragrant Star Azalea
This variety of Azalea thrives in zones 3-9 and 14-17, and is hardy to -20 degrees Fahrenheit. This varietal has an upright growth habit and gets to be about four feet tall and a little less wide. Foliage is blue, and flowers are star-shaped and white. This is a very fragrant shrub, and is heat and mildew-resistant.

​Knap Hill-Exbury Hybrids
These shrubs grow well in zones 3-9 and 14-17 and can be upright or spreading, Blossoms are larger than those on other deciduous varieties, and color varies from whites to pinks to oranges/reds, often with contrasting blotches of color. These shrubs bloom in mid- and late-season. Some of the most popular varieties are 'Cannon's Double', 'Gibraltar', 'Homebush' (pictured), 'Klondyke', 'Arneson Gem', 'Old Gold', 'Arneson Ruby', and 'Oxydol'.

​Northern Lights Hybrids
This shrub grows in zones A2, A3, and 1-7. This is the hardiest variety of the deciduous azaleas; they can withstand temperatures down to -45 degrees Fahrenheit. These grow to be two to four feet tall and wide, with ball shaped groupings of fragrant flowers. There is no need to dead-head this variety. Popular varieties include 'Apricot Surprise' (pictured), 'Golden Lights', 'Mandarin Lights', 'Orchid Lights', 'Rosy Lights' and 'White Lights'.

​Occidentale Hybrids
This variety grows in zones 4-7 and 14-17. They are hardy to -5 degrees Fahrenheit. These can grow to eight feet tall and wide. Flowers are two to four inches wide and vary widely in color. These bloom in mid- to late-season. Examples include 'Irene Koster', and 'Washington State Centennial' (pictured).
Viscosum Hybrids
This is a popular group of hybrid azaleas with a powerful perfume and a late blooming season. Check out the following varieties:
​Rhododendron calendulaceum (Flame Azalea)
Zones A3 and 2b-6; hardy to -25 degrees Fahrenheit. Fast grower to 5 feet tall and 7 feet wide; blooms in mid-season with orange to deep red flowers. This variety is easy to grow and blooms heavily.
Rhododendron occidentale
Zones 4-7, 14-17, and 19-24. This variety can grow to be 6-10 feet tall with an upright form. Fragrant flowers appear after the plant has leafed out. Flower color varies; some are heavily marked. A trademark varietal is 'Leonard Frisbie' (pictured).
Rhododendron schlippenbachii (Royal Azalea)
Zones 3-7 and 14-17; hardy to -20 degrees Fahrenheit. This shrub is densely branched and grows to be 6-8 feet tall. Leaves are whorled at the tips of branches, and large pink, fragrant blooms appear in clusters in mid- to late-season. Great fall color. Protect from full sun.
Rhododendron vaseyi (Pinkshell Azalea)
Grows well in zones 3-7 and 14-17; hardy to -20 degrees Fahrenheit. Upright habit with a spreading, irregular form. It can grow to be 10-15 feet tall, and blooms mid-season, before leaves come in, with clusters of five to eight light pink flowers.

rhododendron species and varietals

Many people when they think about Rhododendrons envision large, leathery-leaved shrubs with clusters of showy flowers in pinks, whites, reds, and purples. These individuals may be interested to discover that Rhododendrons also include dwarf varieties that reach just a few inches tall and tree-like species that top out around 80 feet! Blossoms have a wide range of colors, can be spotted, and take a variety of different forms. The list of Rhododendron species and varieties below is divided into groups according to bloom time, and the last category is a collection of some of the most notable species of Rhododendron.
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Early Varieties (Early Spring Bloomers)

'Northern Starburst'
Hardy to -30 degrees Fahrenheit, this variety has large flowers and thick leaves that turn dark purple in winter.
'PJM'
Hardy to -25 degrees Fahrenheit, this dense, bushy shrub reaches 4 feet tall and wide, with great purple-pink flowers and mahogany winter foliage.
'Seaview Sunset'
Hardy to -5 degrees Fahrenheit, this is a compact grower to 3 feet tall and wide, with red-orange buds that open to reveal yellow flowers with red-orange bands that mature to yellow.
'Snow Lady'
Hardy to 0 degrees Fahrenheit, this compact variety reaches 2.5 feet tall and wide, with fuzzy light green leaves and pure white flowers.

Early Midseason Varieties (Early to Mid-spring bloomers)

'Besse Howells'
Hardy to -15 degrees Fahrenheit, to 3 feet tall with large trusses of rose-red blossoms.
'Blue Diamond'
Hardy to -5 degrees Fahrenheit, with a compact, erect habit. Small lavender flowers; can take some sun in cooler climates.
'Crete'
Pink-purple buds open to light purple flowers that mature to white. Hardy to -25 degrees Fahrenheit.
'Dora Amatels'
Hardy to -15 degrees Fahrenheit, with a compact habit. Green spotted white profuse flowers with a spicy scent.
'Elizabeth'
Hardy to 14 degrees Fahrenheit and reaching three feet tall and wide. Trumpet flowers in bright red, with an early fall rebloom. Susceptible to fertilizer burn.
'Else Frye'
Hardy to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, great for an informal espalier. Whitish-pink flowers are intensely fragrant and have gold throats.
'Fragrantissimum'
Hardy to 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Bright green bristly leaves on a loose, open plant. Can be a shrub or espalier with training, and can spill over walls. White flowers are tinged pink and are very fragrant. 
'Ginny Gee'
A 2-foot tall dwarf variety with small leaves and a dense growth pattern. Bell-shaped flowers are pink and dotted with white. Profuse bloomer.
'Moonstone'
Hardy to -5 degrees Fahrenheit and reaches 3 feet tall and wide, Low, compound habit with flaring bell flowers that start pale pink and mature to creamy yellow. 
'Mrs. G. W. Leak'
(Cottage Gardens Pride')
Hardy to 0 degrees Fahrenheit; Flowers are light pink with red-purple flare.
'Patty Bee'
Hardy to -10 degrees Fahrenheit, Leaves turn dark red in cooler weather. Lemon yellow flowers.
'President Roosevelt'
Hardy to 0 degrees Fahrenheit, with dark green leaves marked with yellow. Trusses of red flowers with white centers.
'Purple Gem'
Hardy to -25 degrees Fahrenheit; to 2 feet tall and blue new foliage that matures to take on rust tones. Flowers are blue-purple.
'Ramapo'
Hardy to -20 degrees Fahrenheit, with a spreading habit. New growth is dusty green-blue and matures to dark green, flowers are pink-violet. Great in rock gardens and as a low border plant.
'Rubicon'
Reaches 4 feet tall and wide, with red flowers that have black spots.
'Sapphire'
Hardy to -5 degrees Fahrenheit, with a dense rounded habit with narrow grey-green leaves. Flowers are light blue and small.
'Taurus'
This reaches 6 feet tall and wide, and is hardy to -5 degrees Fahrenheit. Red buds open to red bell flowers with black spots. Will bloom after 4-6 years of age.
'Teddy Bear'
Hardy to 0 degrees Fahrenheit, to 3 feet tall and wide, with purple-pink flowers that age to white.

Midseason Varieties (Midspring Bloomers)

'Baden Baden'
Hardy to -15 degrees Fahrenheit to 2 feet tall and 4 feet wide, with bright red flowers.
'Bambino'
Hardy to -5 degrees Fahrenheit with peach-pink flowers blushed with yellow and dotted red. Large calyxes.
'Blue Peter'
Hardy to -10 degrees Fahrenheit, with a broad, sprawling habit and needs regular pruning. Large clusters of lavender-blue flowers wit purple markings. Can tolerate both heat and sun exposure.
'Dreamland'
Hardy to -10 degrees Fahrenheit, with a compact growth to 3-4 feet tall and large clusters of soft pink flowers edged with dark pink.
'Ebony Pearl'
Reaches 6 feet tall and hardy to -5 degrees Fahrenheit; leaves are twisted and maroon when new, maturing to copper-green. Flowers are mauve with light edges and red-brown spotting.
'English Roseum' ('Roseum Pink')
Hardy to -25 degrees Fahrenheit, with an erect habit reaching 6 feet tall, with lavender pink blooms. Hardy variety.
'Fasuosum Flore Pleno'
Hardy to -15 degrees Fahrenheit with an open, rounded habit to 6 feet tall and wide. Flowers are lavender-blue and double-form, marked with gold. Dependable, tolerates heat and sun.
'Hachmann's Polaris'
To -15 degrees Fahrenheit. Forms a three-foot mound, with hairy leaves. Flowers have deep pink edges and fade to light pink towards the center. Good in sun or shade.
'Hallelujah'
Hardy to -15 degrees Fahrenheit. Rose-red flowers and green leaves. Beautiful with or without flowers. Takes full sun.
'Henry's Red'
Hardy to -25 degrees Fahrenheit; to 5 feet tall and a little less tall. Dark red flowers.
'Holden'
Hardy to -15 degrees Fahrenheit. Reaches 4 feet tall and wide, with rose-colored flowers marked with deep red.
'Horizon Monarch'
Hardy to 5 degrees Fahrenheit, To 6 feet tall and dark green leaves. Flowers are light yellow, tinged red.
'Hotel'
Hardy to 0 degrees Fahrenheit, to three feet tall and wide, with canary yellow flowers that come to bloom at 6-8 years of age. Needs excellent drainage.
'Janet Blair'
Hardy to -15 degrees Fahrenheit, reaches 5 feet tall with a spreading habit. Large ruffled flowers are pink, cream, white and gold. Blooms midseason to late in the season.
'Lemon Dream'
Hardy to 0 degrees Fahrenheit, Dense, spreading habit, with yellow flwoers and glossy green leaves.
'Lem's Cameo'
Hardy to -5 degrees Fahrenheit, reaches 4-5 feet tall and wide. Flowers are a blend of apricot, cream and pink.
'Lem's Monarch' ('Pink Walloper')
Hardy to -5 degrees Fahrenheit, reaching 6 feet tall and wide. Large leaves and pink flowers that are darker at the edges.
Loderi Hybrids
This group has very fragrant flowers in shades of pink and white. Grows to 6 feet tall and wide. Popular varieties are 'King George' (with pink flowers that fade to white), 'Pink Diamond' (with blush flowers), and 'Venus' (with deep pink flowers).
'Loder's White'
Hardy to 0 degrees Fahrenheit, to 5 feet tall. White flowers with yellow throats and pink edges. Blooms turn pure white at maturity. 
'Mi Amor'
Hardy to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, great for mild-winter climates. Lanky habit, 
'Nancy Evans'
Hardy to 5 degrees Fahrenheit, reaching 3 feet tall with bronze new leaves. Buds are orange, and open to yellow flowers with large calyxes.
'Nova Zembla'
Hardy to -25 degrees Fahrenheit, with profuse red flowers and can take some heat.
'Noyo Chief'
Hardy to 10 degrees Fahrenheit and reaches 5 feet tall with glossy green leaves that are heavily ribbed. Bright red flowers.
'Paprika Spiced'
Hardy to 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Reaches 3 feet tall and flowers have a blend of yellow pink and orange and are dotted red with large yellow calyxes.
'Percy Wiseman'
Hardy to -10 degrees Fahrenheit, this variety has peach-yellow blooms that mature to white; a heat-resistant choice.
'Polarnacht'
Hardy to -10 degrees Fahrenheit. This shrub reaches just 3 feet tall and 6 feet wide, with flat green leaves and purple-red flowers.
'Pomegranate Splash'
A compact variety to 3 feet tall and 2.5 feet wide, hardy to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Flowers are white with brown blotches and purple-red exteriors.
'Purple Passion'
Reaches 6 feet tall and 5 feet wide, with dark green leaves and purple flowers. Hardy to -25 degrees Fahrenheit.
'Rocket'
Hardy to -15 degrees Fahrenheit; reaches 5 feet tall and 4 feet wide, with glossy green leaves and frilly pink flowers with red blotches.
'Sappho'
This variety reaches 6 feet tall and about as wide, with white flowers that have purple spots. Easy to grow but can get gangly without pruning.
'Scarlet Wonder'
Hardy to -15 degrees Fahrenheit. This variety is a great dwarf, with shiny, quilted leaves and scarlet flowers. To 2 feet tall.
'Scintillation'
Hardy to -15 degrees Fahrenheit, with dark green leaves and pastel pink flowers with darker pink throats. Flowers age to brown-pink.
'September Song'
Hardy to 0 degrees Fahrenheit; reaches 4 feet tall and a little wider, with salmon-colored flowers that fade to gold-orange in the throat.
'Skookum'
Hardy to -20 degrees Fahrenheit, with globe-shaped red flowers. Handsome plant.
'Susan'
Hardy to -5 degrees Fahrenheit, and reaching 6 feet tall. Handsome foliage and violet-blue flowers that bloom in large clusters.
'The Honorable Jean Marie de Montague'
To -5 degrees Fahrenheit. This variety reaches 5 feet tall and about as wide, with bright scarlet-red flowers.
'Trude Webster'
This variety is hardy to -10 degrees Fahrenheit, with pure pink flowers in large clusters. Reaches 5 feet tall and as wide, a strong grower with large leaves.

Late Midseason Varieties (Mid- to Late-Spring Bloomers)

'Anah Kruschke'
Hardy to -15 degrees Fahrenheit, with lavender-blue to reddish-purple flowers and handsome foliage. Sensitive to root rot in warm, wet soil.
'Anna Rose Whitney'
Reaches 6 feet tall and wide, with great foliage. Large clusters of deep pink flowers. Hardy to -5 degrees Fahrenheit.
'Capistrano'
Hardy to -15 degrees Fahrenheit, to 3 feet tall and 6 feet wide. Bell-shaped yellow blooms.
'Catawbiense Album'
Hardy to -20 degrees Fahrenheit, with pink buds that open to white flowers with a green blotch. Reaches 6 feet tall and wide. Can take both cold and heat.
'Catawbiense Boursault'
Hardy to -20 degrees Fahrenheit, with pink-lavender flowers on a 6 feet tall and wide shrub. Can take cold and heat.
'Chionoides'
Reaches 4 feet tall and wide, with a dense, compact, rounded habit and white flowers with light yellow spots. Can take sun. Hardy to -15 degrees Fahrenheit.
'Cunningham's Blush'
Hardy to -15 degrees Fahrenheit; reaches 4 feet tall and wide, with blush pink flowers that have white blotches.
'Cunningham's White'
Hardy to -15 degrees Fahrenheit. This variety has white flowers with a green-yellow blotch.
'Daphnoides'
Reaches 3 feet tall and about as wide, with lavender-blue flowers that bloom profusely. Dense foliage; glossy deep green leaves are convex. Hardy to -10 degrees Fahrenheit.
'Elvira'
Reaches 2 feet tall and wide, with glossy green leaves that have a red tinge to them. Flowers are red. Hardy to -25 degrees Fahrenheit.
'Fantastica'
Hardy to -5 degrees Fahrenheit. Reaches 3 feet tall and wide, with long, elliptical leaves that are wooly underneath. Flowers are rose-pink with a white throat and green spots.
'Gomer Waterer'
Hardy to -15 degrees Fahrenheit. White flowers with yellow-green blotches open from pink buds. Can tolerate sun.
'Helsinki University'
Reaches 6 feet with an upright habit; hardy to -25 degrees Fahrenheit. Leaves have a red tinge when new. Flowers are purple pink and have wavy edges.
'Purple Splendour'
Hardy to -5 degrees Fahrenheit. Reaches 5 feet tall and wide, with ruffled purple flowers with black spots. Can tolerate sun.
'Roseum Elegans'
Hardy to -25 degrees Fahrenheit. 6 feet tall and wide, with olive green foliage. Flowers are lilac. This variety tolerates heat and cold.
'Vulcan'
Reaches 5 feet tall and about as wide, with brick-red flowers. Hardy to -15 degrees Fahrenheit.

Late Varieties (Late Spring Bloomers)

'Haaga'
Hardy to -20 degrees Fahrenheit and reaching 5 feet tall and wide. Upright habit, with glossy green leaves and Fuchsia-pink flowers.
'Hellikki'
This variety has narrow leaves and purple wavy flowers. Hardy to -25 degrees Fahrenheit.

Rhododendron Species

Rhododendron augustinii
This species is hardy to -5 degrees Fahrenheit and is native to western China and Tibet. Has an open growth to 6 feet tall and wide. Flowers are bell-shaped and range in color (white to lavender pink to blue). Blue-flowered varietals include 'Barto Blue', 'Electra', 'Lackamas Blue' and 'Towercourt'.
Rhododendron calostrotum keleticum
This variety, native to Myanmar, China, and Tibet, is compact (1 foot tall and 3 feet wide) with tiny dark green leaves with scaly brown undersides. Flowers are crimson-purple; blooms pop in late midseason. Hardy to -15 degrees Fahrenheit.
Rhododendron campylogynum Myrtilloides Group
Hardy to -10 degrees Fahrenheit and native to China, India and Myanmar mountains. Reaches 1 foot tall with dark green leaves. Bell-shaped plum flowers bloom in midseason.
Rhododendron degronianum yakushimanum
(Rhododendron yakushimanum)
Native to Japan, this shrub is hardy to -25 degrees Fahrenheit and forms a mound 1-4 feet tall. New growth has white hairs; flowers are pink and age to white. Varieties include 'Ken Janeck', 'Yaku Angel', 'Mardi Gras'. 'Yaku Sunrise', and 'Yaku Princess'.
Rhododendron falconeri
Hardy to 10 degrees Fahrenheit and native to the Himalayas, this species is grown as a tree, and has leathery green leaves and clusters of white-pale yellow flowers. Early-midseason bloomer, only starts blooming at an age of 10-15 years.
Rhododendron forrestii forrestii
Repens Group
Hardy to 5 degrees Fahrenheit, prostrate species native to China and Myanmar. Small clusters of bright red tube-shaped flowers in early-midseason. Great in rock gardens; require great drainage.
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Rhododendron impeditum
Hardy to -15 degrees Fahrenheit and native to China. Twiggy and dense, dwarf form with light grey-green foliage. Flowers are bluish-purple and bloom in early midseason. Use as groundcover (plant 15 inches apart). Full sun in cooler areas; needs great drainage.
Rhododendron keiskei
Native to Japan and hardy to -5 degrees Fahrenheit. Compact to 2 feet tall with bright yellow blooms in early midseason. Variety 'Yaku Fairy' is a creeping form that reaches 6 inches tall.
Rhododendron macrophyllum
(Coast Rhododendron;
Western Rhododendron)
Native to Northern California and British Columbia, hardy to -5 degrees Fahrenheit. Reaches 4-20 feet tall with leathery dark green leaves and pink-purple or white flowers spotted with red-brown. Late midseason bloom.
Rhododendron moupinense
Hardy to 0 degrees Fahrenheit and native to China, reaches 1.5 feet tall and has a spreading habit; Deep red new foliage matures to green. White or pink flowers with red spots bloom very early in the season.
Rhododendron mucronulatum
Native to China, Mongolia, Korea and Japan, this deciduous shrub has an open habit and very early bloom. Flowers are bright purple; hardy to -15 degrees Fahrenheit. Variety 'Cornell Pink' has pink flowers.
Rhododendron pachysanthum
Hardy to -5 degrees Fahrenheit; native to Taiwan. Reaches 30 inches tall; leaves have silver-brown hairs above, tan hairs underneath. Flowers are white to pale pink spotted with green or crimson. Early midseason bloom.
Rhododendron pemakoense
Hardy to 0 degrees Fahrenheit; native to the Himalayas and China. 1.5 feet tall, with small leaves and pink-purple flowers. Blooms in early season, useful in rock gardens.
Rhododendron racemosum
Hardy to -5 degrees Fahrenheit and native to China. Tend to be compact varieties, though one selection reaches 7 feet tall. Small pink flowers bloom early to midseason; easy to grow and tolerant of sun.
Rhododendron rex
Hardy to 0 degrees Fahrenheit, with upright growth to 6 feet tall. Native to China. Huge leaves with grey-brown hairs underneath. Flowers are white spotted with red, and bloom in early midseason.
Rhododendron tsariense
Native to Tibet and India, hardy to 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Compact grower to 2 feet tall; flowers are white flushed pink. Brown hairs on leaf undersides and early to early midseason bloom.
Rhododendron williamsianum
Native to Szechuan, China. Compact to 3 feet tall and a little wider. Bronze new foliage matures to green with blue-green undersides. Flowers are pink and bell-shaped, bloom in midseason.

Caring for and Pruning Azalea & Rhododendron shrubs

As with any other plant, the first step in providing good care for your azalea shrub is to choose the right spot! If you have chosen an evergreen variety, they do better in partial shade, while deciduous varieties flower more vibrantly in full sun. The best time to plant azaleas is in late spring or early fall. Soil should be well-drained and humus-rich, as well as slightly acidic (pH 4.5-6). Mulch the area under the shrub well, as this will assure that the plant gets enough water and will not dry out. Fertilizer isn't usually needed unless the soil is deprived of nutrients to begin with. Usually, the nutrients that seep into the soil from the mulch around the bottom of the plant are enough. After the plant is established, watering is only needed during dry times.

Pruning azalea bushes should be done in the spring or early summer, after they bloom. You'll know it's the perfect time for some pruning when the spent flowers begin to discolor and shrivel up. Cutting them back in late summer, fall or winter will remove flower buds and prevent the shrub from blooming in the next season. Azaleas are not well-suited for formal shapes; they are best left to grow in their natural habit. When pruning, use pruning shears to cut individual branches at the proper spot. If you are shaping to maintain the size of your azalea, pick put the branches that are outside its natural shape, that are making it look un-pruned. Then, cut each of those branches back by a third or less. Azaleas will sprout new branches from below wherever you make a cut; don't worry about cutting back to a connecting branch. If your shrub is looking a little worse for wear, you can rejuvenate it through pruning. Locate three to five of the largest branches. Then, cut these branches back by a third to a half. Trim all other branches back as though you were shaping the plant; back to about a third or less of each branch.

Propagation

To propagate an evergreen Azalea bush via cutting, follow these steps in midsummer to early autumn. Your new azalea plant will be ready to go in about a year. You will need: Pruners, Rooting Hormone (liquid or powdered), Well-Drained Rooting Medium (it should include peat moss, perlite, vermiculite, or sand), Growing Container (with a drainage hole). AND MORE?
  1. Cut several 2-5 inch stems from the new growth on a healthy azalea plant. Make your cut just above a node, or a small protrusion on the stem where a new leaf or stem will emerge. The third video in the video section below can give you a better idea of where this is exactly.
  2. Pinch off all but the top set of leaves from the cuttings; carefully to avoid damaging the stem. If the top leaves are very large and make the cutting droop over or if they are interfering with other cuttings in your growing area, cut them in half horizontally.
  3. Using your fingernail, gently scrape off the outside of the stem of your cuttings at the very bottom 1/2 inch. Then, dip the bottom of the stems in a liquid or powdered rooting hormone.
  4. Using a pencil, make a hole in the soil - or rooting medium - in the middle of the pot you will be growing the azalea in. Then, plant the stem. Place the pot in a clear plastic bag and seal it with a rubber band.
  5. Place the bag in a bright area, but avoid direct exposure to sunlight, especially in the afternoon. Cuttings will generally require no water when covered securely in plastic. If the rooting medium looks dry, spray the inside of the plastic bag with water. Do not water the soil directly.
  6. Check the cuttings after four to eight weeks for roots! To do this, remove one or two stems from your rooting medium carefully. You can use your finger or a butterknife. Work slowly to avoid damaging the new roots. Inspect the roots, and then immediately replant the stems. If the roots are 1/2 to 1 inch long, they are ready to be transplanted. Open the top of the bag up and leave it like that for about two days to allow the new plants to acclimate to the cooler air.
  7. After the cuttings have acclimated, transplant each rooted cutting to an individual pot (if it wasn't in an individual pot to begin with) filled with commercial potting soil. There is no more need for the plastic bag. Move your pot into an indoor area with bright light, but again not direct sunlight, especially in the afternoon. Keep the soil slightly moist, and allow the plant(s) to mature indoors or in a greenhouse for one year before moving them to their permanent outdoor home.

Note: Evergreen azaleas are much easier to propagate than deciduous varieties. Even if they manage to get rooted, they often fail to develop into fully grown specimens. If you'd like to attempt to propagate a deciduous azalea shrub via a cutting, the process is the same, with a few notable exceptions. Cuttings should be taken earlier in the year, usually in late spring, when the stems are soft and flexible. Rooting hormone isn't a necessity for growing evergreen cuttings, but it is critical in growing a deciduous cutting. Water the plant two days before taking the cutting, and take your cutting in the early morning when the stems are plump and well-hydrated. Otherwise, follow the directions above. Good luck!

problems and pests

Azaleas are seldom bothered by insects and diseases. For information on commonly encountered pests and diseases in the home garden, including how to deal with them, consult the following pages:
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Gallery

Azaleas and Rhododendrons can be grown in containers to add interest to your porch. 
Azaleas and Rhododendrons make a great, colorful border hedge. 
Azaleas and Rhododendrons are great at creating a 'mounding' look in your garden. 

The low-down on pruning Azaleas and Rhododendrons.
Learn how to propagate Azaleas and Rhododendrons from cuttings.

Resources

The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 561-563, Azaleas; Pages 556 - 561, Rhododendron
Azaleas: Meet the Royal Family