Growing Environment – Best to plant in shady areas but some varieties can take more sun. Azaleas are more widely adapted to warm summer temperatures than rhododendrons and can grow in all regions of the U.S. except the desert southwest and areas with very cold winters.

Ideal Soil – Highly organic, acidic and well-drained.

Blooms – Most azaleas completely cover themselves with early spring flowers in almost every shade except blue and green. They usually grow three to six feet high. Some deciduous types have good fall color.

Growing Environment – Plant in shady areas. Rhododendrons are widely adapted to grow in all regions of the U.S. except areas with extreme summer temperatures or very cold winters.

Ideal Soil – Highly organic, acidic and well-drained.

Blooms – Large flower clusters are born at the end of the branches in early spring, primarily in shades of white, pink, red and purple. However there also are varieties with yellow, orange and salmon colored blooms. In ideal conditions, rhododendrons can grow into large trees, but most garden varieties stay in the five to 10 foot range.