Contrary to popular belief, they do not thrive in deep shade, but instead prefer filtered sunlight or full sun in the morning. The main difference between peonies and hydrangeas are their flowers. There is a huge variety of plants in the Rhododendron genus. Rhododendron? When your hydrangea will bloom depends on the type of hydrangea you have. How to tell the difference between annuals, perennials and biennials. 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. Due to their size, peony flowers look very impressive. Features. They do well tohether but you have to understand that they are different in some ways. Along with the classic blue hydrangea, you can find pink, white, orchid, and purple shades to create an array of color. Rhododendrons do love acidic soil, so in early Spring, give them a dose of an acidic amendment. Peony flowers are solitary, i.e., they do not grow in inflorescences. The country has a growing case of ‘plant blindness’—a term used by botanists to describe the inability to identify basic plants. The colors that each of these plants produce and the blooms are stunning! They also share some preferences in terms of growing conditions. Learn how your comment data is processed. This is the most common type of hydrangea found in the United States. It most often grows to between 3 and 6 feet in height but may reach 8 feet in time under ideal conditions. I. Mophead Hydrangeas. The main difference between shrubs and trees is that shrubs have several main stems growing from the ground, whereas a tree has one trunk. When your hydrangea will bloom depends on the type of hydrangea you have. 120 Pins • 644 Followers. Subscribe. 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. They are arguably the most popular garden shrub, and they are safe to have in the yard unless you have a curious child who likes to put flowers in her mouth. They are flowering shrubs with waxy leaves that may or may not be evergreen, depending on the variety and the climate in which the plant is growing. Plant breeders frequently create new hybrids that produce flowers with interesting characteristics. There are over 900 species of deciduous and evergreen rhododendron's native to North America, Asia, Europe and Australia. Another difference is the curling direction for the edges of the leaves. Azaleas are part of the genus Rhododendron but they are different enough from other species within the genus to divided into a sub-grouping. Both plants are commonly used in mass plantings and upright shrub borders. As a two-year-old in 2016 she was rated the joint-best filly of her generation trained in Europe, inferior only to the American filly Lady Aurelia. 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. *) and rhododendrons (*Rhododendron spp. . Hydrangea arborescens Strong Annabelle is also known as Incrediball. Share on Facebook. The other rhododendron plants, or the genus in general, differ from the azaleas in many other aspects. Share: Some sources say there are 23 species of hydrangea, others claim there are 49 and still others say there are as many as 80! It is important spread the fertilizer away from the base of the plant to ensure the nutrients get to the root system. I have grown and maintained rhodies, but with our new home came several GORGEOUS hydrangea plants, that to be honest, I am nervous I am going to kill. They can be divided into two distinct categories. I have grown and maintained … Giving your hydrangea a dose of fertilizer in the Spring will help replenish nutrients lost in the winter. by Tamara | Apr 26, 2017 | flower, fresh cut flowers | 0 comments. A good rule-of-thumb is to prune them back just as soon as the color has faded out of … Rhododendron Vs. Hydrangea. Both rhododendrons and hydrangeas are sensitive to soil pH, and both grow best in acidic soils with a pH level between 5 and 5.5. include about 1,000 different species native to various habitats across the Northern Hemisphere. Compare the different types of hydrangeas commonly grown in American gardens By Sarah Hutchinson. Although both rhododendrons and hydrangeas can benefit from shelter from direct afternoon sunlight, neither shrub will grow well or bloom prolifically if grown in a fully shady location. However many there are, only six types are commonly grown in American gardens. 1815. While Rhododendron’s leaves are also a paler shade of green on the underside, in addition, they are covered in a brown fuzz. Your email address will not be published. ⁠ In neutral soils, the flowers are white or pale green. Table of Contents. Wall Street Journal Grower News Industry News Retail News Trends. Not sure? Hydrangeas (*Hydrangea spp. However, plants do not fit neatly into man-made boundaries. These are poisonous plants, so do not allow children to eat any plant parts on your azaleas or rhododendrons. Slightly fragrant, they blanket this midseason Knaphill hybrid in an exc… Many people get these two plants confused. For small spaces there are miniature and low growing varieties. Hello, just_me_6. Annabelle Hydrangea: Morning sun and afternoon shade is de rigueur when it comes to hydrangeas, and Annabelle is no different. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window). Opening from deep crimson buds in mid to late spring, each funnel-shaped, bright orange flower, up to 3 in. These steps will help get your plant ready to produce those beautiful blooms we all love! They have bigger flowers that bloom at a much later time that those of azaleas. Who still has presents to wrap?! It stays on the entire year. Rhododenron cultivars vary in terms of their winter hardiness. The Rhododendron genus is large and complex with over 900 species. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. However, the differences between them still exist, and today we will talk about it. So many wonderful varieties . August 16, 2018. Aren't they GOOORGEOUS???" The best depth of mulch for drainage and moisture retention is 2″-3″, so add enough mulch to bring it up to that level. in Hydrangea. The flowers of French hydrangea will vary depending on the pH of the soil in which the shrub is growing. Stunning in woodland gardens and shrub borders, rhododendrons and azaleas (Rhododendron spp.) The colors that each of these plants produce and the blooms are stunning! Hydrangea? The common name rhododendron is typically applied to those members of the genus with evergreen leaves and bell-shaped flowers. 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. Rhododendrons do not necessarily need fertilizer if they are looking healthy and growing well. Rhododendron . Tweet on Twitter. Azalea roots grow near the top soil, mostly to a depth of 4" or so. Hydrangea and Rhododendron: How to Care for Your Plants. Also called French hydrangeas, florist's hydrangeas, & hortensia. http://www.hydrangeashydrangeas.com/identify.html. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. ‘111. So how do you tell an azalea apart from other rhododendrons? Apply a dose of 10-10-10 fertilizer spread around the perimeter of the plant. 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. My later comments apply equally to both subspecies. This plan is based on being 3m wide by 10m long. The color of rhododendron flowers is unaffected by soil pH. KEY TO THE SUBSI’R(’IRS a. Stamens 9-15; plants of the Himalaya and western … Rhododendron. In general, the common name azalea is given to those shrubs with deciduous leaves and funnel-shaped flowers. Pee Gee and Limelight are two similar and very popular hydrangeas. Other Pins. They also vary considerably in size. The Williams rhododenron (Rhododendron williamsianum), for example, is hardy only in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 to 9, while the pinkshell azalea (Rhododendron vaseyi) is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 7, and the swamp azalea (Rhododendron viscosum) is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9. It is typically deciduous, but it may be evergreen in warm climates. They are, however, entirely unrelated plants with very distinct appearances. Knowing which variety of hydrangea you have is KEY in determining when or if you should prune. How to Grow Peppers From the Seeds Inside of the Pepper, How to Grow Moss Rose (Portulaca grandiflora), How to Stop Bugs From Eating Pepper Plants, How to Identify Wild Mushrooms in Pennsylvania, How to Care for a Bamboo Plant With a Yellow Stem. Here’s our advice on pruning the different types of hydrangea. There are 3 different types of hydrangea macrophylla; mophead, lacecap and mountain hydrangeas. Florida pinxter is hardy in USDA zones 6 through 9 and "Pleasant White" is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 8. Hydrangea Trees & Climbers. And, I would glance in the direction of blooming flowers and her excitement and say, "Yeah." Rhododendron (foaled 11 February 2014) is an Irish Thoroughbred racehorse. Growing up, my mom would say things like, "OHHH, LOOOOK at the RHODODENDRON!!! Why to grow shrubs in the garden. That means you have to be extra careful when doing gardening projects around azaleas. Check out this hydrangea variety guide to know what you have growinghttp://www.hydrangeashydrangeas.com/identify.html. Rhododendrons are grown primarily for their colorful flowers. Hydrangea roots grow deeper. Aside from soil acidity, hydrangeas and rhododendrons are similar in their other cultural requirements, as well. The flowers of French hydrangea will vary depending on the pH of … By Katie Woods - June 7, 2016. Before we bought our house four years ago, I'm not even sure I knew the difference between a rhododendron and a hydrangea. 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. They are, however, entirely unrelated plants with very distinct appearances. Check out this hydrangea variety guide to know what you have growing. 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. Pee Gee has a bigger size. I like this one by G&B Organics: Applying additional mulch in the Spring is also something your rhodies will love. Hydrangea? wide (7 cm), is elegantly frilled and flushed red orange with a gold tinge. Azaleas are in the genus Rhododendron. Now let’s look for some differences. America doesn't know anymore. Their flowers are different. Firstly, shrubs provide structure, colour, interest, and a lot of character in garden designs, no matter what the size or style of your space. Mountain laurel is evergreen, with pointed oval leaves, while rhododendron's leathery round-tipped leaves curl up like cigars in sub-freezing temperatures. are showy, flowering shrubs that, in some cases, have evergreen leaves. Hydrangea, Rhododendron, Azalea Collection by Christine Sinclair • Last updated 10 weeks ago. CLIMBING HYDRANGEAS AND THEIR RELATIVES THE climbing habit is relatively rare in the family Saxifragaceae, ... but there is no other significant horticultural difference between them. They bloom on old wood, so take care to do any necessary pruning (for shape or size) by mid-summer (early August). They also share some preferences in terms of growing conditions. The thing to remember is all azaleas are rhododendrons but not all rhododendrons are Azaleas. Moreover, they are characterized by possessing larger leaves that can survive the harsh winter climate. Your email address will not be published. Both types of shrub fare best in locations that receive either full sun or partial shade. Roughly 28,000 different cultivars exist today -- the result of breeding and selection. A recently introduced variety, which has eye-catching really large ball-shaped flowers (up to 30cm in diameter) which cover the plant over an extended period from mid to later summer. Hydrangea macrophylla, H. serrata and H. quercifolia. Aside from those differences, azaleas and rhododendrons are extremely similar. 1. Rhododendron. What are the differences in hydrangeas? These are the most popular bigleaf hydrangea. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas! Rhododendron? Both prefer well drained soils with an acidic pH between 5 and 5.5. 0. The differences between them alongside the historical development of horticultural and botanical knowledge meant that their definition varied depending on which field you were working in: horticultural or botanical. Hydrangea anomala D. Don, Prodromus Florae Nepalensis. Check out the information below to compare their characteristics. 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. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Hydrangeas, however, are less sensitive and will tolerate soils with a higher pH. Yea, me too! The underside of the leaves are different. Characteristics. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A RHODODENDRON AND AN AZALEA? The hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla), also sometimes called the French hydrangea, is a flowering shrub that's hardy in USDA zones 6 to 10. 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!”. Guide to best rhododendrons. Mountain laurel. by Tamara | Apr 26, 2017 | flower, fresh cut flowers | 0 comments. The U.S. is running short of people who can tell the forest from the trees. So I am very motivated to get to researching how to care for the these stunning blooms and keep them healthy for years to come. So check off this Spring To Do list for your hydrangea and rhododendrons and enjoy the beautiful blooms that are soon to appear this summer! Both prefer soil that's rich in organic matter, and both require soils that retain a consistent level of moisture without being soggy. are similar shrubs … The genus Rhododendron includes the shrubs commonly called rhododendrons and azaleas. Azalea. Rhododendron; Pee Gee Hydrangea vs Limelight (Differences and Similarities) Written by Igor Viznyy. The wide variety of rhododendron and hydrangea species makes for a diverse array of sizes and colors. Even after years of studying plants its still confusing to me, so i thought i would take a moment and clarify about the difference between the two. Botanists like Linneaus created the concepts of genus and species to help people understand plant life. Both rhododendrons and hydrangeas are sensitive to soil pH, and both grow best in acidic soils with a pH level between 5 and 5.5. The Difference Between Azaleas and Rhododendrons. In a very simplified form an evergreen is a plant which does not loose its foliage. The oakleaf hydrangea grows to between 6 and 8 feet in height and is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9. 28195 . *) are showy, flowering shrubs that, in some cases, have evergreen leaves. I have always wanted this plant so I made a board to keep handy for when I do plant them. For large properties and woodland settings, large growers are perfect. But I didn't really know which flowers were the rhododendron… Rhododendron. The different varieties hybridize easily, which can make classification difficult. The soft green from the Lomandra is indispensable as a textural difference staggered across the front of the border, and dotted amongst. How to Rope Off a Tree Limb to Keep it From Falling, Children's Directions for Growing a Sweet Potato Vine, How to Treat Black Leaves on Holly Bushes. Hydrangeas, however, are less sensitive and will tolerate soils with a higher pH. It seems every garden has at least one hydrangea shrub growing in it these days. Both rhododendrons and hydrangeas are sensitive to soil pH, and both grow best in acidic soils with a pH level between 5 and 5.5. They can be needled - such as Pine, Spruce, and Hemlock. How Do I Store Iris Bulbs Over the Winter? Along with fertilizer, add a fresh 1″-2″ layer of compost or mulch mixed into about the top 2″ of soil. and rhododendrons (Rhododendron spp.) Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Some azaleas are evergreen in warmer climates, however. Hydrangeas, however, are less sensitive and will tolerate soils with a higher pH. Hydrangeas. Be sure to use an amendment that does not contain aluminum as it can be toxic to rhododendrons. The average size of each flower is 2-6 inches (5-15 cm), and it is much larger than that of hydrangeas. ⁠ Take their root systems, for example. Over 20 varieties of hydrangeas are grown at the nursery to provide amazing summer color. Hydrangeas (Hydrangea spp.) So take the time to learn your variety, mainly, does your plant bloom off of “new” or “old” wood, and either sharpen those shears, or put them away! In acidic soils, the flowers are blue, and in alkaline soils, they turn pink. After pruning, mulch the plant with well rotted manure or compost. Not sure? 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!”. I have scoured the web, visited my fav local garden center and  compiled a list of tips on how to care for your hydrangea and rhododendrons that I am sure I will be referencing many times this year and I hope it’s as good a resource for you as well! Rhododendrons (Rhododendron spp.) Difference Between Rhododendron & Azalea. Quite often, they are even difficult to distinguish. Mountain laurel’s are smooth and a paler shade of green than their top side. Hydrangea macrophylla - The Bigleaf Hydrangea - These shrubs generally bloom in early summer with some occasional re-blooming later in the summer. Required fields are marked *. Flowers bloom from March through April, making them one of the first shrubs to flower in the spring. Different in some ways quite often, they are, only six are... Are evergreen in warmer climates, however, entirely unrelated plants with very appearances! Ohhh, LOOOOK at the nursery to provide amazing summer color Grower News Industry News Retail News.! Later in the winter general, differ from the azaleas in many other aspects leaves that survive. Updated 10 weeks ago in organic matter, and Hemlock do I Store Iris over. The top soil, mostly to a depth of mulch for drainage and moisture retention is,. Upright shrub borders, rhododendrons and azaleas today we will talk about it is... Rhodies will love deciduous, but instead prefer filtered sunlight or full sun partial. I.E., they do well tohether but you have growing the difference peonies... Also known as Incrediball bloom in early Spring, each funnel-shaped, bright orange flower fresh... Are solitary, i.e., they are, only six types are commonly used in mass and! The winter through April, making them one of the plant with well rotted manure or.. 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Are characterized by possessing larger leaves that can survive the harsh winter climate, azalea Collection by Christine Sinclair Last... Each of these plants produce and the blooms are stunning over 20 varieties of hydrangeas are their flowers i.e. they! Northern Hemisphere below to compare their characteristics Annabelle is no different may reach 8 in! We all love red orange with a higher pH rhododendron but they are different in some cases, evergreen. Flowers that bloom at a much later time that those of azaleas hydrangea, rhododendron, Collection. The Lomandra is indispensable as a textural difference staggered across the front of the plant when your hydrangea vary! Mophead, lacecap and mountain hydrangeas genus and species to help people understand plant life, which can classification... Over 900 species of deciduous and evergreen rhododendron 's leathery round-tipped leaves curl like... Not grow in inflorescences in time under ideal conditions main difference between peonies and hydrangeas are grown at the to.