Due to their flowers, fragrance and ease of cultivation, azaleas are among the most widely used plants for interior and exterior decoration. How many varieties are there?
Although they may look the same to the naked eye, there are different types of azaleas. And this is not only connected with the color of the flower, but with other characteristics, which we will talk regarding in this article.
Likewise, certain precautions must be taken into account so that your plants are always healthy and beautiful. Keep reading and we’ll tell you more.
Characteristics of the azalea
In Greek, the original meaning of the word azalea is “dry” or “arid”, referring to the type of terrain in which it can grow. On the other hand, its scientific name is Rhododendron simsii.
It belongs in particular to the heath family, along with heather and arbutus. It should be noted that this is a large family, with more than 3000 species.
From now on, the different varieties of azaleas can be located throughout almost the entire northern hemisphere, both in Europe and in Asia and North America. And they have also adapted to other environments.
Regarding its characteristics, it is a medium sized shrub. It grows slowly. It can reach up to 3 and 4 meters in height, although some varieties do not exceed 50 centimeters. It depends, in any case, on where it is planted and on the type of azalea.
The leaves are dark green, regarding 3 to 5 centimeters long; the underside is scaly and sometimes mottled. They usually remain on the plant for some time and only fall off in winter.
Its flowering takes place in spring. The flowers are undoubtedly the most striking. They are bell-shaped or funnel-shaped. Its colors vary from white to red through different pinks. There are also yellow and orange ones.
Due to the fact that hybridizations have been made with this plant, some varieties have been obtained, as a result of which the flowers become so abundant that they completely cover the leaves. For this reason it is grown for ornamental purposes, being one of the most used plants to decorate, both in gardens and indoors.
It can be sown directly in the ground or in pots, developing well in both cases.
Types of Azaleas
There are many types of azaleas, including cultivable varieties and different species. These have been categorized into two major groups: Tsutsusi (from Asia) and Penthanthera (from Europe and America).
Read also: 7 aromatic plants to perfume the garden
1. Rhododendron calendulaceum
It is a typical species of the Appalachians (mountain range on the east coast of the United States, which reaches part of Canada). It can reach more than 3 meters.
It is characterized by very showy flowers, between orange and red. Although a survey indicates a variety identified in Virginia, which has white flowers, with shades of pale pink or yellow edges.
2. Canadian Rhododendron
This species is also native to North America, specifically Canada, as its name suggests. It is a shrub, a little smaller than the previous, since its maximum height is 120 centimeters. The flowers of this type of azalea are pink and appear in early spring.
3. Rhododendron canescens
It is common in the southeastern United States. It is also called mountain azalea.
It is deciduous (its leaves fall when it reaches maturity). It can reach one and a half meters or up to three meters. Its flowers are pink, rarely white; and they have very prominent pistils.
4. Rhododendron periclymenoides
Known by the name pink azalea or fleur de pinxter. He is also from the eastern United States, stretching from Alabama to New Hampshire. Its height can vary between one and two meters. It generally thrives in dry places.
5. slimy rhododendron
She is known as marsh azalea, because unlike the previous one, it tolerates damp places. However, it must have drainage so that standing water does not rot the roots.
It is also a shade-preferring species.. It reaches two and a half meters and blooms in early summer.
Read also: 8 decorative plants that grow in clay soil
6. Rhododendron farrerae
Now we will learn regarding some types of azaleas from the Asian continent. We start with Rhododendron farreraeoriginally from China.
It is also obsolete, but short: no more than 60 centimeters. Despite this, its flowers are large, of a color between pink and lilac.
7. Rhododendron japonicum
The Rhododendron japonicum or pink azaleajaponica or azalea japanese, is a shrub of one to two meters, native to this country. The flowers, a few centimeters in diameter, are generally pink; in some varieties it reaches a red or magenta tint, which makes them very attractive.
8. Rhododendron jaune
Among the different types of azaleas, there are European varieties. This is the case of Rhododendron luteum, native to the southwest of the continent, although it is also found in Asia. It is quite large, reaching up to four meters. The flowers are yellow .
9. Pleasant white rhododendron
It is a small plant, with white flowers and perennial leaves, of dark green color, which produces a striking contrast. They adapt well to gardens. It prefers shade.
10. Bouton azalea rose
It is a variety produced for the first time in 1934from the Japanese azalea March. It has the particularity of presenting double flowers, similar to rosebuds.
Its growth is slow; reaches up to 120 centimeters. It receives little sun and blooms in the spring.
Care of Different Types of Azaleas
If properly cared for, these plants bloom for quite a long time. Some varieties manage to live seven years; others can go up to 25.
But it will depend on the climate, the types of azaleas and the care given. Let’s see what to take into account.
Plantation
Azaleas reproduce by cuttings . They should measure regarding 15 centimeters.
It is recommended, before planting them, to leave them in water for a while until the rootlets appear. Then they are placed in the ground, at a depth of 2 to 4 centimeters.
Most species can be planted in the garden or in pots, preferably clay, if they are to be indoors. The best time to grow them is in fall or spring.
Something very important: a space of at least two meters must be left between each plant.
Ground and compost
They are favored by a slightly acid type of soil. Peat and perlite can be used.
But the earth must not be too compacted, so that the water circulates and does not stagnate. If they need to be fertilized, the root of the plant should not be completely covered.
Emplacement
Most Types of Azaleas need sun, but not too much. If they are going to be grown outdoors, this detail must be taken into account and avoid that they are in a place where the light falls at noon.
Temperature
Regardless of location, keep in mind that they are plants that suffer from heat. Good air circulation must therefore be ensured. You also need to be careful with freezing.
watering
Under normal conditions, especially during the flowering period, they need moderate watering, every other day or every three days. In summer you can increase the frequency.
You need to water at the root, not the leaves or flowers. Water should be plentiful, but good drainage should be ensured so that it does not accumulate. Preferably rain or filtered water is used.
Mushroom
You have to watch out for any parasites. Some may develop fungi that affect the leavessuch as rhododendron powdery mildew (Microsphaera azaleae).
This can be avoided by keeping enough space between plants for good circulation, keeping humidity below 50% and placing the plant in light. You can also clean the leaves with alkaline water (pH 8 to 8.2), which helps make them uninhabitable for the spores.
Benefits and Risks of Different Types of Azaleas
There are several types of azaleas, as we have been able to verify. They have certain characteristics in common: they are all aromatic plants that help purify the air. In this sense, they fight bad odors and can even neutralize the smell of cigarettes.
In addition, because they have very showy flowers, they are widely used in decoration, giving a hint of color to different environments. Therefore, they are said to fill the environment with good energy.
On the other hand, it is striking that recent studies indicate that the variant luteal is a rich source of flavonoids, essential oils and steroids. It is said to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial properties..
However, certain precautions must be taken, because if ingested, they can be toxic. As a result, they should be kept away from children and petsas they can even affect cats and dogs, according to research.
There have also been reports of adults being poisoned following eating azalea flowers, showing symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, abdominal discomfort, hypotension and bradycardia, due to the action of the plant’s grayanotoxins.
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