AT A GLANCE
What is the difference between Rhododendron and Azalea?
Azaleas are a subgenus of rhododendrons. Both belong to the plant genus Rhododendron. The difference lies mainly in gardener's jargon: garden azaleas lose their leaves in winter, while rhododendrons keep them.
Is the Azalea related to the Rhododendron?
The azalea is a Relatives of the rhododendron. It is also said that all azaleas are rhododendrons, but not all rhododendrons are azaleas. This is because the name "Azalea" is only used for certain varieties and species from the plant genus "Rhododendron".
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The explanation for this "muddle of terms" lies in the past, because in the 18th In the 19th century the genus Azalea (Azalea) was established by the naturalist Carl von Linné, which included six species. Today the designation azalea mainly used as a trivial name.
Do indoor azaleas also belong to the rhododendrons?
Indoor azaleas belong to the Plant genus Rhododendron at. Usually these are the species
- Rhododendron simsii (Indian Azalea) and
- Rhododendron japonicum (Japanese Azalea).
Several hundred varieties have been bred from both species. indoor azaleas bloom from September to April if they get a cool spot during this time.
Why aren't all hardy rhododendrons called azeleas?
The Difference between hardy rhododendrons and azaleas comes from the gardener language, which refers to an older classification of the plant genus Rhododendron. Thus, the two hardy species Rhododendron luteum and molle are called garden azaleas referred to as they have no leaves in winter. Plants that do not lose their foliage during the cold season are called rhododendrons.
Tip
When buying, pay attention to the plant properties
Because the difference between azalea and rhododendrons can hardly be identified by laypeople, you should pay less attention to the name and more to the properties of the plants when buying them. This is how you get an ornamental plant that will convince you with its sea of flowers.