I have grown and maintained … They are typically below 10 feet in height, are low-maintenance, and are suitable for growing in a range of different hardiness zones. Hydrangea; Lilacs; Mugo Pine; Pussy Willows; Rhododendrons; Rose of Sharon; Spirea ; Rhododendron . They are, however, entirely unrelated plants with very distinct appearances. 120 Pins • 644 Followers. are similar shrubs … Bigleaf Hydrangeas | Hydrangea macrophylla. Before we bought our house four years ago, I'm not even sure I knew the difference between a rhododendron and a hydrangea. Marie Answer. Relatively few rhododendrons are fully hardy in the Chicago area or can cope well with its alkaline soils. Evergreen Rhododendron Shrubs. Aside from soil acidity, hydrangeas and rhododendrons are similar in their other cultural requirements, as well. Rhododendrons grow best in partial shade with moist, well-drained soil with a pH of 5 to 5.5. Tamara Christine has written more than 900 articles for a variety of clients since 2010. They are relatively easy to grow and add so much to any landscaping theme. Hydrangea macrophylla, H. serrata and H. quercifolia. la. Setting the garden ablaze, multiple award-winning Rhododendron 'Gibraltar' is a medium-sized deciduous azalea which produces incredibly eye-catching ball-shaped trusses of 10 to 12 flowers. The oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) is distinguished from the French hydrangea by its lobed leaves and its conical flower clusters, as compared to the rounded flower clusters of the French hydrangea. Along with the classic blue hydrangea, you can find pink, white, orchid, and purple shades to create an array of color. Rhododendrons are shrubs with showy flowers in spring, usually in shade of white, pink, purple and red. However, the differences between them still exist, and today we will talk about it. The flowers of French hydrangea will vary depending on the pH of the soil in which the shrub is growing. Hydrangeas can generally grow in sun or shade. The flowers are the most distinguishing factor with azalea flowers usually being one stem flowers and counting with at most 5 or 6 stamens. Experts claim azaleas generally have “appressed hairs” on their leaves, whereas most rhododendrons have scales or small dots under their leaves. 1815. His work has appeared in the South Bend Tribune, the Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, Arts Everywhere magazine and many other publications. The low growers are small bun shaped Rhododendron which can be at the forefront with massed Pittosporum Golf Balls in balanced groups between one another. Mediterranean climate gardeners can choose from several species of rhododendron and hydrangea that thrive in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 and 9. The hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla), also sometimes called the French hydrangea, is a flowering shrub that's hardy in USDA zones 6 to 10. Rhododendron. Space plants 36 to 48 inches apart and 18 inches from the edge of the planting bed. Lastly, Rhododendrons have more than 10 stamens or 2 per lobe. The oakleaf hydrangea grows to between 6 and 8 feet in height and is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9. I. Mophead Hydrangeas. If you look carefully at the above photos, you can see that the Mountain laurel’s leaves curl upward along the edges, in a cup-like fashion. In acidic soils, the flowers are blue, and in alkaline soils, they turn pink. The Catawba rhododendron (Rhododendron catawbiense) and panicle hydrangea, (Hydrangea paniculata) work only for zone 8 gardeners. Pee Gee has a bigger size. anomala a. While all Azaleas are Rhododendrons, all Rhododendrons are not Azaleas. A heavy mulch will help maintain the root moisture. Likes. Considering the size, appearance and planting instructions of rhododendron vs. hydrangea will help you decide which one will work best with your soil conditions and available space. Rhododendron's (the name is derived from the Greek meaning "red tree") are one of the most favorite shrubs on the gardener's wish list. Here’s our advice on pruning the different types of hydrangea. Florida pinxter is hardy in USDA zones 6 through 9 and "Pleasant White" is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 8. Find great plant food & care from Miracle-Gro. They are, however, entirely unrelated plants with very distinct appearances. Snowball bushes growing in colder climates are probably hydrangeas. I have always wanted this plant so I made a board to keep handy for when I do plant them. In rare cases, you may find aphids, leaf tiers, rose chafters, oyster scale and red spider mites on hydrangeas that are compromised by other stresses such as powdery mildew. in Hydrangea. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker, Missouri Botanical Garden: Hydrangea Quercifolia, Missouri Botanical Garden: Rhododendrons and Azaleas, Missouri Botanical Garden: Rhododendron 'Maxecat', Missouri Botanical Garden: Rhododendron 'Pleasant White'. Plant in a hole deep enough to allow the ball to stick up about 2 inches above ground. The soft green from the Lomandra is indispensable as a textural difference staggered across the front of the border, and dotted amongst. How to Care for a Shooting Star Hydrangea, The Hardiness of Forever and Ever Early Sensation Hydrangeas, North Carolina Cooperative Extension: Rhododendron Prunifolium, University of Tennessee Department of Plant Sciences: Rhododendron Catawbiense - Catawba Rhododendron, North Carolina Cooperative Extension: Rhododendron Austrinum, Alabama Cooperative Extension System: Hydrangeas, University of Florida Nassau County Extension: Oakleaf Hydrangea, University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service: Hydrangea Macrophylla, University of Tennessee Department of Plant Sciences: Hydrangea Arborescens, University of Tennessee Department of Plant Sciences: Hydrangea Quercifolia, North Carolina Cooperative Extension: Hydrangea Arborescens "Annabelle", University of Missouri Extension: Growing Azaleas and Rhododendrons, University of Rhode Island Landscape Horticulture Program: Hydrangeas, Auburn University Horticulture Department: Hydrangea Macrophylla, Auburn University Horticulture Department: Hydrangea Quercifolia, Auburn University Horticulture Department: Rhododendron Indicum. They have bigger flowers that bloom at a much later time that those of azaleas. Aren't they GOOORGEOUS???" Other Pins. Others (Hydrangea paniculate and Hydrangea quercifolia) have a conical shape. Rhododendron. Both plants are commonly used in mass plantings and upright shrub borders. Let me explain. Additionally, she completed a course in digital journalism in 2014. Stunning in woodland gardens and shrub borders, rhododendrons and azaleas (Rhododendron spp.) They also share some preferences in terms of growing conditions. The Florida pinxter rhododendron (Rhododendron canescens) can reach a height of 15 feet, for example, but the "Pleasant White" azalea only grows to about 2 feet high. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Hydrangea anomala D. Don, Prodromus Florae Nepalensis. Rhododenron cultivars vary in terms of their winter hardiness. This means that azaleas and rhododendrons are closely related. The planting holes should be 2 feet wider than and as deep as the root ball with 36 to 60 inches between them to allow the plant to spread. There are 3 different types of hydrangea macrophylla; mophead, lacecap and mountain hydrangeas. and rhododendrons ( Rhododendron spp.) My later comments apply equally to both subspecies. wide (7 cm), is elegantly frilled and flushed red orange with a gold tinge. Some types of rhododendrons that lose their leaves in winter are commonly called azaleas. Pothos are classified as being any plants in the Epipremnum genus, whereas Philodendrons are well…in the Philodendron genus. Shape of the Leaves . Hydrangeas can fall victim to bacterial wilt, root rot, bud or flower blights, or leaf spots. Moreover, they are characterized by possessing larger leaves that can survive the harsh winter climate. One difference between Pothos and Philodendron is the genus. Meanwhile, Rhododendron’s leaf edges curl downward. Hydrangeas (Hydrangea spp.) Snowball hydrangea shrubs grow 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 m.) tall, while the viburnums grow 6 to 10 feet (1.8 to 3 m.) tall. Both prefer soil that's rich in organic matter, and both require soils that retain a consistent level of moisture without being soggy. The color of rhododendron flowers is unaffected by soil pH. French hydrangea is actually a native of east Asia. Some of the most popular evergreen Rhododendron shrubs include the following. Difference Between 34-10-10 And 3-4-3 Q: What is the difference between Azalea, Camellia, Rhododendron fertilizer … What is the difference between 34-10-10 and 4-3-4 Azalea Fertilizer? How's that for an answer! Hydrangea? Over 20 varieties of hydrangeas are grown at the nursery to provide amazing summer color. America doesn't know anymore. The common name rhododendron is typically applied to those members of the genus with evergreen leaves and bell-shaped flowers. This is the most common type of hydrangea found in the United States. The country has a growing case of ‘plant blindness’—a term used by botanists to describe the inability to identify basic plants. However, gardeners in both zones have several options: plumleaf azalea (Rhododendron prunifolium), Florida azalea (Rhododendron austrinum), bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla), oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) and smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens). Rhododendrons are grown … October 21, 2016. Hydrangeas ( Hydrangea spp.) Azaleas are flowering shrubs that belong to the rhododendron genus. Oakleaf hydrangea gets its name from its serrated oak-like green leaves but other species have rounded leaves. The colors that each of these plants produce and the blooms are stunning! The main difference between peonies and hydrangeas are their flowers. Hydrangea bushes are some of the most popular deciduous shrubs on the market today. They ARE somewhat related though. Rhododendrons range from the Catawba, which can grow 6 to 20 feet tall and 5 to 8 feet wide, to the plumleaf, which grows 8 to 12 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide. Azaleas also have tubular or funnel shaped flowers. Classified into the same genus, Rhododendron, and with very similar flowering and growing habits, it's easy to say that it was some sort of confusion between common name and scientific name when discussing the same plant. Hydrangea flowers grow in ball-shaped clusters of blue or pink blooms. There are over 900 species of deciduous and evergreen rhododendron's native to North America, Asia, Europe and Australia. In fact, without a powerful microscope, some of the differences between these plants are subtle (and somewhat inconsistent, since there are a few exceptions). Rhododendron? Both rhododendrons and hydrangeas are relatively pest-free in most cases. Azaleas usually have 5 stamens per lobe, and have 5 lobes in a flower. are showy, flowering shrubs that, in some cases, have evergreen leaves. I always get confused, what is the difference between Azaleas and Rhododendrons? Pack the soil firmly around the ball and water well. Rhodi flowers are more bell shaped. Guide to best rhododendrons. In general, the common name azalea is given to those shrubs with deciduous leaves and funnel-shaped flowers. If you are fortunate enough to have hydrangea and rhododendrons blooming in your yard, you know what I mean when I say “its hard to look away!”. Hydrangea and Rhododendron: How to Care for Your Plants. Lacecap hydrangeas such as Hydrangea macrophylla and the related H. serrata, plus H. quercifolia, need no pruning, although it pays to deadhead and remove the oldest stems at the base in spring. Pee Gee and Limelight are two similar and very popular hydrangeas. Hydrangeas like moister soils that are not prone to waterlogging. It is typically deciduous, but it may be evergreen in warm climates. Peony flowers are solitary, i.e., they do not grow in inflorescences. Azalea. Spray with an iron sulfate solution or add iron soil amendments as well as addressing any drainage or alkaline soil issues. They start out light green and progress to white fading to rose or purplish pink in midsummer, then tan. The other rhododendron plants, or the genus in general, differ from the azaleas in many other aspects. Difference Between Rhododendron & Azalea. Also called French hydrangeas, florist's hydrangeas, & hortensia. Hydrangea Trees & Climbers. Awareness of the potential plant diseases of each of these showy flower bushes can guide your preparation and care of your plants so that you can fill your garden with the brilliance of a healthy and beautiful floral display. Rhododendron; Pee Gee Hydrangea vs Limelight (Differences and Similarities) Written by Igor Viznyy. Though, according to online plant retailer and information source Plant Addicts Inc. , its blooms are most forgiving, still managing to put on a spring show even after a harsh winter or severe pruning. 1. The Difference Between Rhododendrons and Azaleas . Hydrangea sizes range from the bigleaf at 2 to 6 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide to the panicle which can reach up to 20 feet tall. Home: Contact: Rhodies: Maples: Hydrangeas: More Plants: About: Hydrangeas. For example, one of the azaleas that belong to the Encore Azalea Series has the botanical name Rhododendron ‘Autumn Chiffon’. But I didn't really know which flowers were the rhododendron… Rhododendrons tend to have their flowers in clumps known as ‘trusses’ and have 10 or more stamens. For small spaces there are miniature and low growing varieties. For either rhododendrons or hydrangeas, use a raised bed or mounds if drainage is an issue. Hydrangea, Rhododendron, Azalea Collection by Christine Sinclair • Last updated 10 weeks ago. Rhododendron? Subscribe. Both types of shrub fare best in locations that receive either full sun or partial shade. Another difference is the curling direction for the edges of the leaves. Depending on cultivar and season, you can find rhododendrons sporting flowers in hues from bright orange red, deep red, purple, yellow, cream or gold-orange among their large green leaves. Slightly fragrant, they blanket this midseason Knaphill hybrid in an exc… The flowers of French hydrangea will vary depending on the pH of … America Doesn’t Know Anymore The country has a growing case of ‘plant blindness’—a term used by botanists to describe the inability to identify basic plants. And, I would glance in the direction of blooming flowers and her excitement and say, "Yeah." If you’re looking at a shrub that is well over 6 feet (1.8 m.) tall, it is a viburnum. That's a great question that has an answer with a "twist". Hydrangeas, like rhododendrons, prefer a rich, moist, well-drained soil. 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