Azaleas are rhododendrons, part of the Ericaceae or Heath family. Plants commonly called azaleas have thinner, more pointed, hairy leaves. The plants commonly called rhododendrons and azaleas are different enough, however, that they seldom cross-breed. Deciduous azaleas lose all their leaves in winter and are genetically different enough from the evergreen types that they rarely cross breed. Cultural requirements are pretty much the same for all rhododendrons, including the deciduous azaleas. See similar questions...

Small leaf rhododendrons generally have thicker, darker green leaves. Azaleas' leaves tend to be hairy. long as the cultivar is known and is one that is adapted to the region, it doesn't matter where it is purchased so long as it is a healthy plant. See similar questions...

Most chemicals will deter deer to some extent. However, when the population is high (as it is now due to the mild winters recently), a dog or a fence may be the only cure. Rhododendrons with a heavy indumentum (fuzz on the underside of the leaves) are not popular with deer and are usually not bothered. Some of the cultivars known as "Yaks" have this indumentum. Among the most popular plants are 'Mist Maiden' and 'Ken Janek. See similar questions...

No, they will grow well next to the house so long as there is not mortar or other alkaline material mixed in with the fill around the house. They should also be planted far enough away from the house so they have room to grow normally and the roof overhang doesn't prevent them from getting the moisture necessary for growth. See similar questions...

There are number of effective companion plants to use in the landscape with rhododendrons and azaleas, both to extend the flowering season and provide contrasts with either the flowers or foliage of the rhododendrons and azaleas. Some of the best trees and shrubs are dogwood (Cornus), mountain laurel (Kalmia), and holly (Ilex), along with many of the conifers. Bulbs such as snowdrops (Galanthus), daffodils (Narcissus), and lilies (Lilium) work well in these situations. See similar questions...

First of all, only self-pollinated species and hybridizers' crosses should be grown from seed. Hybrids will not come true from seed. That said, Rhododendron yakushimanum may bloom in only 2-3 years, slower ones may take up to 7 years. See similar questions...

Deciduous trees shed their leaves at a certain time each year. The leaves are grown again at later time. Evergreens are trees that grow new leaves before the old ones fall off. It's important to know that not all evergreens are conifers. The trees we talk about on this web site are both evergreens AND conifers! See similar questions...

Since these plants bloom on previous year's wood, they should be pruned after they bloom or else you will sacrifice flower buds. Pruning should be done within six weeks after blooming. This is also a good time to feed them. We recommend Merrifield Flowering Plant Food, a high phosphorous formula that will promote flowering. These plants should be pruned in the early spring before the new growth begins to emerge. Bigleaf, Oakleaf and Climbing Hydrangeas are an exception to this rule. See similar questions...

Prune immediately after blooming in the spring, but no later than September 1 or you will get little or no blooms the following spring. See similar questions...

They flower from early in the year and can last through to early summer. Check the Spring at Kew web page for more seasonal information See similar questions...

Since this site talks about conifer trees, we don't usually answer questions about deciduous trees. However, this is a question we get a lot! You may know that the green of deciduous leaves comes from the chlorophyll that is needed to make food for the tree. What you may not know is that there are other colors "hidden" in the leaves. They are hidden in the spring and summer because the chlorophyll is busy doing its job and the green color sort of takes over. See similar questions...

A deciduous tree or shrub loses its leaves in the fall whereas an evergreen tree or shrub keeps its foliage year round. See similar questions...

BOB: The best "rule of thumb" is to prune them within 30 days after they finish blooming. This will allow them time to form new flower buds for next year. [More about pruning shrubs] BOB: Golf courses use a variety of grass (bentgrass) that can withstand short mowing. Your home lawn needs to be cut at 2-1/2 to 3 inches. Remember: The longer the blade the deeper the roots. See similar questions...

Ericaceous, an acidic compost - usually in pink bags. Rhododendrons hate lime - as do hydrangeas, magnolias, heathers, azaleas and camellias. See similar questions...

We prefer to suggest non-chemical means of battling bugs. Knock them off the plant with a strong spray of water. If you feel inundated, you can initially treat with an insecticidal soap or an ultra-refined horticultural oil. Spray every 7 to 10 days as needed. Verify there is a new infestation before spraying again. I have hundreds of tiny bright orange bugs on my milkweed plants, particularly the seedpods. I thought they were strange aphids, but today I noticed a bunch that was bigger. See similar questions...

Fertilize Azaleas immediately after they bloom with a good 3-1-2 or 4-1-2 ratio fertilizer. This will promote vigorous new growth for the rest of the season. Repeat the application in late May or early June, for growth. In September, apply a specialized Azalea food. This fertilizer will usually have camellia and gardenia written on the label as well. These fertilizers are high in phosphorus (the middle number) which stimulates the bud set before going into winter. See similar questions...

Yes, rhododendrons may be pruned if required. Most azaleas and rhododendrons usually look best in their natural state, but pruning may be required for various reasons. Bushier plants can be encouraged by pinching out the terminal buds. (If the growth buds are all about the same size, branching will probably occur naturally. Be careful here and don't pinch out the flower buds, normally much larger than the growth buds. See similar questions...

The cause is most likely Phytophthora root rot (caused by Phytophthora cinnamoni) or some other type of root damage. Root rot is a fungus disease that causes the entire plant to wilt and die. It usually affects smaller plants that have recently been transplanted. There is no cure. The entire plant should be removed and disposed of in the garbage. This is something that we should all be aware of. See similar questions...

Moss and lichen are a natural part of our local flora. They usually grow on older shrubs and trees whose rough bark provides a place for the mosses and lichens to attach. It is just a sign that the plant is maturing and slowing down. Moss and lichen are not parasitic and do not harm the plant, other than adding a small amount of extra weight. See similar questions...