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Azaleas

Rhododendron

The Neon Queen: Rhododendron spp. (Azalea)


The Snapshot

  • Common Name: Azalea

  • Scientific Name: Rhododendron (Subgenus Azaleastrum)

  • Hardiness: Zones 5 – 9 (Varies by variety—some are "Jersey Tough," others are southern).

  • The "Vibe": Explosive, vibrant, and nostalgic; the "Grand Finale" of the spring season.

The Two "Jersey Worlds" of Azaleas


1. The Evergreen Icons

These keep their leaves all winter and are the bread-and-butter of NJ foundation plantings.

  • Why we love them: They create a solid green "wall" all winter and turn into a solid wall of color in May.

  • Top Varieties: 'Delaware Valley White' (The NJ classic), 'Hino Crimson' (electric red), 'Blaauw’s Pink'.

2. The Deciduous Natives (The "Pinxter" Types)

These lose their leaves in winter but offer something the evergreens don't: Fragrance.

  • Why we love them: They are native to NJ woodlands. Their flowers have long, elegant stamens and a spicy, clove-like scent.

  • Top Varieties: 'Pinksterbloom' (R. periclymenoides), 'Swamp Azalea' (R. viscosum).

Stories from the Garden

"I have a row of 'Delaware Valley White' Azaleas in front of my brick house in Haddonfield. Every May, the house looks like it's sitting on a white cloud. They’ve been there for 20 years and they never fail. I also planted a native 'Flame Azalea' in the back woods—the orange color is so bright it looks like the woods are on fire, and the smell is incredible. Just make sure to keep the deer away in the winter!"

— Rose M., Zone 7 Gardener (Haddonfield, NJ)


Designer Tips: Where to Plant

  • The "Foundation Skirt": Plant Evergreen Azaleas at the base of your house, but pull them out 3 feet from the wall. They need air circulation to prevent lace bug issues.

  • The Woodland Understory: Plant Native Deciduous Azaleas under high-canopy trees like Oaks or Birches. They look more "natural" and less "suburban" this way.

  • The "Cool-Down" Pairing: Pair bright pink or red Azaleas with the silvery-blue foliage of a Blue Star Juniper or Blue Atlas Cedar. The blue calms down the neon intensity of the flowers.

Designer Pro-Tip: The "Pine Needle" Mulch. Azaleas are "acid-loving" plants. The best mulch for them isn't black-dyed wood chips—it’s Pine Straw or Pine Bark. As it breaks down, it keeps the soil acidic and "fluffy," exactly how their shallow roots like it.

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