What are native azaleas?

native azaleas are a group of flowering shrubs from North America. They are members of the genus Rhododendron, but in this family they form a clear subgroup. Plants in this family are part of the Heath family and are related to blueberries and laurels. Sometimes it is called Bush Honeyckle, native azaleas differs from other members of the genus in growth habits and characteristics of leaves and flowers. Native azaleas flowers in a wide range of colors and various species bloom at different times.

There are 17 species in the native group Azalea, all of which are the eastern or southeastern part of the US; rhododendron occidentale and rhododendron canadense are found in the northwest of the country. All species attract butterflies and some also attract hummingbirds. Floral colors, often found on native azaleas, are shades of white, pink and yellow, as well as orange and red. Many species have fragrant flowers, D at least one species in the group is in flowering from the beginning of April to the end of August orIn early September.

The native azaleas is located from deep south, where winter temperatures are mild, into parts of the ground where temperatures are regularly immersed under freezing and snow often falls. Although some naturally grow in areas with constantly wet soil, many of them do not tolerate wet soils well. Some species occur in very dry soils, including clay and sand areas. All azaleas grow best in acidic soil.

Types found for sale in kindergartens should be planted in well -drained acid soil and regularly connected. They grow best in partial to full sun. Flower buds for next year are set after flowering stops, so pruning is best done as soon as possible after the flowers die back.

Although azaleas is closely related to rhododendrons, there are noticeable differences between two species of the plant. Rhododendrons are almost always green; Some azaleas are stoodE green, but all the original ones from North America are deciduous. Flowers on rhododendrons grow in sprays, called Trusses, while Azalea flowers are lonely. Blossoms azalea usually have five sticks while rhododendrons have ten or more.

Unlike rhododendrons, Azaleas has a more open growth pattern. They are shorter plants, usually not more than 8 feet (about 2.4 m) high, while rhododendrons are upright and can be up to 80 feet (about 24 m) high. Rhododendrons generally have large leather leaves, while azaleas leaves are smaller and thinner.