Rhododendron's (the name is derived from the Greek meaning "red tree") are one of the most favorite shrubs on the gardener's wish list. Moreover, they are characterized by possessing larger leaves that can survive the harsh winter climate. Azaleas also have tubular or funnel shaped flowers. 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. Rhododendrons are shrubs with showy flowers in spring, usually in shade of white, pink, purple and red. la. I always get confused, what is the difference between Azaleas and Rhododendrons? October 21, 2016. Let me explain. In fact, without a powerful microscope, some of the differences between these plants are subtle (and somewhat inconsistent, since there are a few exceptions). Pothos are classified as being any plants in the Epipremnum genus, whereas Philodendrons are well…in the Philodendron genus. How to Care for a Shooting Star Hydrangea, The Hardiness of Forever and Ever Early Sensation Hydrangeas, North Carolina Cooperative Extension: Rhododendron Prunifolium, University of Tennessee Department of Plant Sciences: Rhododendron Catawbiense - Catawba Rhododendron, North Carolina Cooperative Extension: Rhododendron Austrinum, Alabama Cooperative Extension System: Hydrangeas, University of Florida Nassau County Extension: Oakleaf Hydrangea, University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service: Hydrangea Macrophylla, University of Tennessee Department of Plant Sciences: Hydrangea Arborescens, University of Tennessee Department of Plant Sciences: Hydrangea Quercifolia, North Carolina Cooperative Extension: Hydrangea Arborescens "Annabelle", University of Missouri Extension: Growing Azaleas and Rhododendrons, University of Rhode Island Landscape Horticulture Program: Hydrangeas, Auburn University Horticulture Department: Hydrangea Macrophylla, Auburn University Horticulture Department: Hydrangea Quercifolia, Auburn University Horticulture Department: Rhododendron Indicum. While all Azaleas are Rhododendrons, all Rhododendrons are not Azaleas. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in applied linguistics and an elementary teaching license. For example, one of the azaleas that belong to the Encore Azalea Series has the botanical name Rhododendron ‘Autumn Chiffon’. For small spaces there are miniature and low growing varieties. Additionally, she completed a course in digital journalism in 2014. Find great plant food & care from Miracle-Gro. Hydrangea? are showy, flowering shrubs that, in some cases, have evergreen leaves. Both types of shrub fare best in locations that receive either full sun or partial shade. Though, according to online plant retailer and information source Plant Addicts Inc. , its blooms are most forgiving, still managing to put on a spring show even after a harsh winter or severe pruning. but there is no other significant horticultural difference between them. Hydrangeas can fall victim to bacterial wilt, root rot, bud or flower blights, or leaf spots. Rhododendrons that don't receive enough fall water as well as protection from wind and sun sometimes suffer from sun scald during the winter months. Aren't they GOOORGEOUS???" They are valued for their beautiful large long-lasting flowers. They ARE somewhat related though. Classified into the same genus, Rhododendron, and with very similar flowering and growing habits, it's easy to say that it was some sort of confusion between common name and scientific name when discussing the same plant. Others (Hydrangea paniculate and Hydrangea quercifolia) have a conical shape. Hydrangeas, like rhododendrons, prefer a rich, moist, well-drained soil. Depending on cultivar and season, you can find rhododendrons sporting flowers in hues from bright orange red, deep red, purple, yellow, cream or gold-orange among their large green leaves. Other Pins. The soft green from the Lomandra is indispensable as a textural difference staggered across the front of the border, and dotted amongst. Space plants 36 to 48 inches apart and 18 inches from the edge of the planting bed. Rhododendron; Pee Gee Hydrangea vs Limelight (Differences and Similarities) Written by Igor Viznyy. Relatively few rhododendrons are fully hardy in the Chicago area or can cope well with its alkaline soils. Hydrangeas, however, are less sensitive and will tolerate soils with a higher pH. Pee Gee has a bigger size. This means that azaleas and rhododendrons are closely related. The hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla), also sometimes called the French hydrangea, is a flowering shrub that's hardy in USDA zones 6 to 10. 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. Azaleas are flowering shrubs that belong to the rhododendron genus. Difference Between 34-10-10 And 3-4-3 Q: What is the difference between Azalea, Camellia, Rhododendron fertilizer … What is the difference between 34-10-10 and 4-3-4 Azalea Fertilizer? Rhododendron. 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. The flowers of French hydrangea will vary depending on the pH of the soil in which the shrub is growing. Some azaleas are evergreen in warmer climates, however. Some types of rhododendrons that lose their leaves in winter are commonly called azaleas. Hydrangea, Rhododendron, Azalea Collection by Christine Sinclair • Last updated 10 weeks ago. Peony flowers are solitary, i.e., they do not grow in inflorescences. So many wonderful varieties . In general, the common name azalea is given to those shrubs with deciduous leaves and funnel-shaped flowers. Iron deficiency or iron chlorosis that turns the leaves yellow can be a sign of an acid-poor soil, poor drainage, nematodes or other problems that injure the roots or stems. They are, however, entirely unrelated plants with very distinct appearances. America doesn't know anymore. Lacecap hydrangeas such as Hydrangea macrophylla and the related H. serrata, plus H. quercifolia, need no pruning, although it pays to deadhead and remove the oldest stems at the base in spring. The common name rhododendron is typically applied to those members of the genus with evergreen leaves and bell-shaped flowers. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. The country has a growing case of ‘plant blindness’—a term used by botanists to describe the inability to identify basic plants. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Gardening Questions . Lacecap hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla, Hydrangea serrata and Hydrangea aspera) have flatter blooms with a ring of large petals surrounding tiny inner flowers. Evergreen Rhododendron Shrubs. The University of Missouri of Extension recommends digging out the planting area to a depth of 18 inches and width of 30 inches. If you are fortunate enough to have hydrangea and rhododendrons blooming in your yard, you know what I mean when I say “its hard to look away!”. Hydrangea Trees & Climbers. Spray with an iron sulfate solution or add iron soil amendments as well as addressing any drainage or alkaline soil issues. The Catawba rhododendron (Rhododendron catawbiense) and panicle hydrangea, (Hydrangea paniculata) work only for zone 8 gardeners. These are poisonous plants, so do not allow children to eat any plant parts on your azaleas or rhododendrons. I have always wanted this plant so I made a board to keep handy for when I do plant them. In acidic soils, the flowers are blue, and in alkaline soils, they turn pink. Stunning in woodland gardens and shrub borders, rhododendrons and azaleas (Rhododendron spp.) My later comments apply equally to both subspecies. Growing up, my mom would say things like, "OHHH, LOOOOK at the RHODODENDRON!!! Hydrangeas like moister soils that are not prone to waterlogging. Quite often, they are even difficult to distinguish. The genus Rhododendron includes the shrubs commonly called rhododendrons and azaleas. The main difference between peonies and hydrangeas are their flowers. Mediterranean climate gardeners can choose from several species of rhododendron and hydrangea that thrive in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 and 9. Rhododendron? Pee Gee and Limelight are two similar and very popular hydrangeas. Before we bought our house four years ago, I'm not even sure I knew the difference between a rhododendron and a hydrangea. Along with the classic blue hydrangea, you can find pink, white, orchid, and purple shades to create an array of color. 1. An easier way to identify the difference is … Hydrangeas (Hydrangea spp.) They start out light green and progress to white fading to rose or purplish pink in midsummer, then tan. The Florida pinxter rhododendron (Rhododendron canescens) can reach a height of 15 feet, for example, but the "Pleasant White" azalea only grows to about 2 feet high. Marie Answer. According to the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, alkaline soils tend to produce pink flowers while acidic soils produce a bluer flower. The Difference Between Azaleas and Rhododendrons. Hydrangea flowers grow in ball-shaped clusters of blue or pink blooms. Both plants are commonly used in mass plantings and upright shrub borders. One difference between Pothos and Philodendron is the genus. At first glance, rhododendrons and azaleas seem to be nearly the same plant. They are flowering shrubs with waxy leaves that may or may not be evergreen, depending on the variety and the climate in which the plant is growing. Also called French hydrangeas, florist's hydrangeas, & hortensia. This plan is based on being 3m wide by 10m long. Hydrangea bushes are some of the most popular deciduous shrubs on the market today. French hydrangea is actually a native of east Asia. Likes. 1815. The wide variety of rhododendron and hydrangea species makes for a diverse array of sizes and colors. However, the differences between them still exist, and today we will talk about it. It is typically deciduous, but it may be evergreen in warm climates. Rhododendrons are grown … Learn more about Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Azalea, Camellia, Rhododendron Plant Food or Miracid & get product usage details on Miracle-Gro.com Awareness of the potential plant diseases of each of these showy flower bushes can guide your preparation and care of your plants so that you can fill your garden with the brilliance of a healthy and beautiful floral display. There are 3 different types of hydrangea macrophylla; mophead, lacecap and mountain hydrangeas. His work has appeared in the South Bend Tribune, the Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, Arts Everywhere magazine and many other publications. in Hydrangea. Considering the size, appearance and planting instructions of rhododendron vs. hydrangea will help you decide which one will work best with your soil conditions and available space. Hydrangeas ( Hydrangea spp.) By creating an account you agree to the Hunker, Missouri Botanical Garden: Hydrangea Quercifolia, Missouri Botanical Garden: Rhododendrons and Azaleas, Missouri Botanical Garden: Rhododendron 'Maxecat', Missouri Botanical Garden: Rhododendron 'Pleasant White'. That's a great question that has an answer with a "twist". They also vary considerably in size. Evan Gillespie grew up working in his family's hardware and home-improvement business and is an experienced gardener. Tamara Christine has written more than 900 articles for a variety of clients since 2010. They are relatively easy to grow and add so much to any landscaping theme. The flowers of French hydrangea will vary depending on the pH of … ; A snowball viburnum bush won’t tolerate a climate colder than U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone 6. Photo by Matt Suwak. For either rhododendrons or hydrangeas, use a raised bed or mounds if drainage is an issue. Hydrangeas can generally grow in sun or shade. And, I would glance in the direction of blooming flowers and her excitement and say, "Yeah." I. Mophead Hydrangeas. They also share some preferences in terms of growing conditions. Count the stamens! The color of rhododendron flowers is unaffected by soil pH. They also share some preferences in terms of growing conditions. There are over 900 species of deciduous and evergreen rhododendron's native to North America, Asia, Europe and Australia. are showy, flowering shrubs that, in some cases, have evergreen leaves. anomala a. are similar shrubs … This is the most common type of hydrangea found in the United States. Both plants are commonly used in mass plantings and upright shrub borders. 2. The oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) is distinguished from the French hydrangea by its lobed leaves and its conical flower clusters, as compared to the rounded flower clusters of the French hydrangea. In neutral soils, the flowers are white or pale green. Rhododendron Garden Nursery - Hydrangeas. and rhododendrons (Rhododendron spp.) 1. Bigleaf Hydrangeas | Hydrangea macrophylla. August 16, 2018. Here’s our advice on pruning the different types of hydrangea. The colors that each of these plants produce and the blooms are stunning! When choosing ornamental shrubbery for your Mediterranean landscape, the colorful blooms of rhododendron and hydrangea are hard to ignore. Both rhododendrons and hydrangeas are relatively pest-free in most cases. Azalea. Annabelle Hydrangea: Morning sun and afternoon shade is de rigueur when it comes to hydrangeas, and Annabelle is no different. Azaleas usually have 5 stamens per lobe, and have 5 lobes in a flower. Both are considered to be part of the aroid plant family (Araceae). Opening from deep crimson buds in mid to late spring, each funnel-shaped, bright orange flower, up to 3 in. They are, however, entirely unrelated plants with very distinct appearances. and rhododendrons ( Rhododendron spp.) Shape of the Leaves . Table of Contents. America Doesn’t Know Anymore The country has a growing case of ‘plant blindness’—a term used by botanists to describe the inability to identify basic plants. Plant in a hole deep enough to allow the ball to stick up about 2 inches above ground. 120 Pins • 644 Followers. Hydrangea and Peony Their flowers are different. Small mountain laurel flower buds look crimped, while rhododendron buds are plump and pointed. The planting holes should be 2 feet wider than and as deep as the root ball with 36 to 60 inches between them to allow the plant to spread. by Tamara | Apr 26, 2017 | flower, fresh cut flowers | 0 comments. Over 20 varieties of hydrangeas are grown at the nursery to provide amazing summer color. Hydrangea and Rhododendron: How to Care for Your Plants. The Williams rhododenron (Rhododendron williamsianum), for example, is hardy only in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 to 9, while the pinkshell azalea (Rhododendron vaseyi) is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 7, and the swamp azalea (Rhododendron viscosum) is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9. Pack the soil firmly around the ball and water well. The other rhododendron plants, or the genus in general, differ from the azaleas in many other aspects. She has more than 10 years experience teaching and gardening. Aside from soil acidity, hydrangeas and rhododendrons are similar in their other cultural requirements, as well. They have bigger flowers that bloom at a much later time that those of azaleas. Slightly fragrant, they blanket this midseason Knaphill hybrid in an exc… KEY TO THE SUBSI’R(’IRS a. Stamens 9-15; plants of the Himalaya and western and central China. 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