Rhododendron Azaleae
Azalea
The Azalea is one of 43 series in the genus Rhododendron. There are six Azalea subseries, but the most important subseries containing Azaleas for forcing is R. obtusum. Primarily, nine species of this subseries have been used in the development of cultivars that are most prominent today.
Azaleas can also be classified by flower types. There are single, single hose-in-hose, semidouble, semidouble hose-in-hose, double, and double hose-in-hose. There are different flower shapes and sizes and a wide array of color choices, although red, pink, and white flowers are most popular. Some cultivars have relatively fragrant flowers but the most prominent ones seem to be almost odorless. Foliage shape, size, and color also can vary.
"Azalea's on Display"
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Kurt Weiss Greenhouses Inc. Branded Products |
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Tiny Dancer Azalea |
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Fancy Dancer Azalea |
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Long Island Grown Hardy Azalea |
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Azaleas have been grown as flowering potted plants in American greenhouses for more than a century but the popularity of the crop has fluctuated from one decade to the next. Census figures have shown continuous increases in the wholesale value of potted Azaleas and in the number of plants produced. |
Additional:
The Azalea is one of 43 series in the genus Rhododendron. There are six azalea subseries, but the most important subseries containing Azaleas for forcing is R. obtusum. Primarily, nine species of this subseries have been used in the development of cultivars that are most prominent today. Currently, Azalea taxonomy is in a rather confused state and it is not easy to determine the ancestry of some cultivars currently used in industry. Azaleas can also be classified by flower types. There are single, single hose-in-hose, semidouble, semidouble hose-in-hose, double, and double hose-in-hose. There are different flower shapes and sizes and a wide array of color choices, although red, pink, and white flowers are most popular. Some cultivars have relatively fragrant flowers but the most prominent ones seem to be almost odorless. Foliage shape, size, and color also can vary.
Growing and Maintenance Tips:
Light - Azalea longevity is not affected by normal indoor light levels (50 to 100 fc; .5 to 1.1 klux). Avoid direct sunlight since plants will dry out rapidly and damage may occur on the flowers and leaves. Temperature - Maintain plants in cool (68° to 72°F; 20° to 22°C) areas. Location - Place plants near a window but out of direct sunlight. Irrigation - Keep plants uniformly moist at all times. If plants do become dry, it may be necessary to submerge the entire root systern in water to thoroughly rewet the peat moss-based media. Drying out will greatly reduce the longevity of most cultivars. Grooming - Remove dead flowers as needed. Disorder - Faded flowers: Flowers that are just showing color when placed into the interior will develop into pale colored flowers. Only purchase plants with more open flowers, or place plants in higher light levels. Cultivars - A number of cultivars-most with excellent longevity-are available with red, pink, white and variegated flowers. Some differences exist in flower drop and sensitivity to drying out. Redwing will drop flowers following poor handling and show petal burn if plants dry out.
Characteristics & Attributes
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Attributes
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Exposure
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Growth Rate in the Garden
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Season of Interest (Flowering)
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Soil Moisture Needs
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