While many traditional azaleas do bloom in the spring, there are varieties that bloom at different times of the year. So when do azaleas bloom?

In this article, we will explore when azaleas bloom and some popular varieties for each blooming season.

Azaleas and Rhododendron: What is the Relationship?

This can be confusing because Azaleas are also called by their family name of Rhododendron. So we take a quick trip through the azalea taxonomy. Or skip ahead if you could care less! 🤓

Azaleas were once classified as a separate genus, but they’ve since been reclassified as part of the genus Rhododendron. Within the genus, they belong to two specific subgenera based on whether they are deciduous or evergreen.

The azalea species scientifically known as Rhododendron indicum, was once classified under the genus name “Azalea” as Azalea indica. This type of name change is not uncommon in botanical nomenclature as scientific understanding progresses.

Azalea Taxonomy

• Kingdom: Plantae
  • Division (or Phylum): Magnoliophyta (Angiosperms or Flowering Plants)
    • Class: Magnoliopsida (Dicotyledons)
      • Order: Ericales
        • Family: Ericaceae
          • Genus:Rhododendron
            • Subgenus: Pentanthera (Deciduous Azaleas)
            • Subgenus: Tsutsusi (Evergreen Azaleas)
              • Species: R. indicum (formerly known as Azalea indica)

This structure gives a clearer indication of the relationship between the azaleas and other rhododendrons and shows where the species R. indicum fits in.

Now… let’s get on with the azalea bloom time!

When Do Azaleas Bloom?

Early Spring Blooming Azaleas: As the first hints of warmth touch the air, early spring azaleas are among the initial blossoms to greet the season. Their vibrant flowers, ranging from soft pastels to deep hues, act as harbingers of the impending bloom explosion of spring, lifting the spirits after the long winter months.

Late Spring Blooming Azaleas: By late spring, gardens are abuzz with color and life, and these azaleas play a pivotal role in intensifying that splendor. Their blooms, which often peak when many early spring varieties have started to fade, ensure that the radiant spectacle of spring remains unabated, filling gardens with continuous color and fragrance.

Summer Blooming Azaleas: When the fervor of spring subsides and the heat of summer sets in, summer-blooming azaleas take their turn at center stage. Their flowers, though perhaps less profuse than their spring counterparts, bring a refreshing touch to the summer garden, offering a splash of color amidst the greenery.

Fall Blooming Azaleas: As the year winds down and many plants prepare for dormancy, fall-blooming azaleas offer a vibrant encore. Their blossoms, juxtaposed against the warm tones of autumn leaves, bring a resurgence of color to gardens, reminding enthusiasts of nature’s persistent beauty even as colder months loom on the horizon.

Since Rhododendrons are acid-loving plants, you may also be interested in our article on Coffee Grounds for Plants, and also, our article on When to Plant Azaleas.

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3 Popular Early Spring Blooming Azaleas

Rhododendron ‘P.J.M.’

• Botanical Name: Rhododendron ‘P.J.M.’
• Description:
  • Blooms: Lavender-pink flowers
  • Hardiness Zones: 4-8
  • Notable Features: Compact and dense shrub that remains evergreen in warmer zones.

Rhododendron ‘Girard’s Crimson’

• Botanical Name: Rhododendron x ‘Girard’s Crimson’
• Description:
  • Blooms: Bright red flowers
  • Hardiness Zones: 5-8
  • Notable Features: A popular choice for its vibrant color, evergreen foliage, and resistance to cold climates.

Rhododendron ‘Hino-crimson’

• Botanical Name: Rhododendron ‘Hino-crimson’
• Description:
  • Blooms: Bright red, small-sized flowers
  • Hardiness Zones: 6-8
  • Notable Features: An evergreen shrub with compact growth habit and a long blooming period.

Also, for our favorite fragrant early spring bloomer see our article on Flame Azaleas.

3 Popular Late Spring Blooming Azaleas

Rhododendron ‘Delaware Valley White’

• Botanical Name: Rhododendron ‘Delaware Valley White’
• Description:
  • Blooms: Pure white flowers
  • Hardiness Zones: 5-8
  • Notable Features: Prized for its large, luminous white blooms and adaptability to a variety of conditions.

Rhododendron ‘George Tabor’

• Botanical Name: Rhododendron ‘George Tabor’
• Description:
  • Blooms: Light pink flowers with a darker blush in the center
  • Hardiness Zones: 7-9
  • Notable Features: An excellent choice for southern gardens, offering a stunning contrast of colors.

Rhododendron ‘Roseum Elegans’

• Botanical Name: Rhododendron x ‘Roseum Elegans’
• Description:
  • Blooms: Lavender-pink flowers
  • Hardiness Zones: 4-8
  • Notable Features: Known for its tolerance to cold and its sizable blooms.

3 Popular Summer Blooming Azaleas

Rhododendron ‘Weston’s Innocence’

• Botanical Name: Rhododendron ‘Weston’s Innocence’
• Description:
  • Blooms: White with a faint greenish-yellow blotch
  • Hardiness Zones: 5-8
  • Notable Features: Offers a tropical feel and thrives even in partial shade.

Rhododendron ‘Bollywood’

• Botanical Name: Rhododendron x ‘Bollywood’
• Description:
  • Blooms: Vibrant pink flowers
  • Hardiness Zones: 6-9
  • Notable Features: Compact size and striking silver and dark green variegated foliage.

Rhododendron ‘Sunglow’

• Botanical Name: Rhododendron ‘Sunglow’
• Description:
  • Blooms: Orange-red flowers
  • Hardiness Zones: 6-9
  • Notable Features: Its fiery blooms stand out, making it an excellent focal point in any garden.

See more summer-blooming azaleas here.

3 Popular Autumn Blooming Azaleas

Rhododendron ‘Autumn Amethyst’

• Botanical Name: Rhododendron ‘Autumn Amethyst’
• Description:
  • Blooms: Amethyst-pink flowers that can have a more purplish hue in certain lights
  • Hardiness Zones: 6-9
  • Notable Features: An evergreen azalea, its leaves turn a purplish hue during winter, adding interest in the cold months.

Rhododendron ‘Autumn Embers’

• Botanical Name: Rhododendron ‘Autumn Embers’
• Description:
  • Blooms: Deep orange-red flowers
  • Hardiness Zones: 6-9
  • Notable Features: This azalea has a dense and spreading growth habit, making it ideal as a low hedge or foundation plant.

Rhododendron ‘Autumn Angel’

• Botanical Name: Rhododendron ‘Autumn Angel’
• Description:
  • Blooms: Pure white flowers, offering a brilliant contrast to its dark green foliage
  • Hardiness Zones: 6-9
  • Notable Features: Aside from its delightful blooms, it remains evergreen, providing greenery throughout the winter.

Autumn azaleas, especially from the “Autumn” series, are revered for their re-blooming capabilities. They not only enhance the garden’s beauty during the fall season when many plants are beginning to wind down but also provide lovely foliage and interest in the winter months. By including autumn-blooming azaleas in the landscape, gardeners can enjoy an extended blooming season.

In Summary

Azaleas are versatile and generally easy to grow, offering a wide range of colors and blooming times. Depending on the variety and local climate, gardeners can enjoy these blooms from early spring to summer.

With the right care and conditions, these beauties will be the highlight of any yard or garden landscape.