Difference between Azalea and Rhododendrons

The plants we call azaleas and rhododen­drons all belong to the Ericaceae family, as do heathers and the strawberry tree. Most of them prefer acid soils. At one time, azaleas were treated as a distinct genus, but they are now. botanically speaking, all considered to be forms of rhododendron.

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Perhaps the most important gardening dis­tinction between the hardy types is that most rhododendrons require greater shade than do most azaleas. This should be borne in mind when planting a mixed shrubbery.

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