Rhododendrons and Azaleas

Similarities between Rhododendrons and Azaleas

Once upon a time, these two plants were classified into separate plant groups however, due to their many similarities they are now both placed together under the genus Rhododendron. Meaning that all Azaleas are Rhododendrons but not all Rhododendrons are Azaleas.

Rhododendrons

There are estimated to be over 1000 within the woody Rhododendrons family (Ericaceae), some rhododendrons are known as evergreen and others deciduous. Rhododendrons tend to have small to large thick leather like leaves that are always paddle shaped. With the blooms having scale –like leaves surrounding the blooms this can resemble an artichoke. They have fewer stout stems with the flowers often being grouped together in large clusters, called trusses.

Sir Edmund Loder

In 1901 Sir Edmund loder began breeding Rhododendrons that would go on to become the most important Rhododendron hybrid in the world. ‘Loderi’ Rhododendrons ‘Loderi’ Rhododendrons were developed by crossing of species Rhododendron griffithianum obtained from South Lodge across the road, with his Rhododendron fortunei. The species ‘griffithianum’, which is very tender, contributed towards extremely large flowers and beautiful bark, and the ‘fortunei’ added its scent, hardiness and more vigorous growth. This original cross, was completed in 1901, eventually only flowering 6 years later in 1907. He went on to create over 30 Loderi hybrids, some of which sadly only flowered after his passing in 1920. 

The Loderi Garden within Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens is the only place in the world where you can see themost complete collection of Loderi hybrid Rhododendrons, some being over 100 years old.  Across the valley is Coronation Garden where a second collection of smaller, younger versions were planted. 

Azaleas

Azaleas are known as the 'Royalty of the Garden’ and bloom from the beginning of April. The leaves on an Azalea’s are small and elliptical in shape being thin soft and hairy and never have scales on the bloom. Azaleas have many small stems on a shrub with one to three flowers at the end of each stem, allowing for more blooms to be spread evenly over the whole shrub. 

Found throughout the gardens our azaleas bring a myriad of colour with hues of white, pink, mauve, purple, red orange and yellow's.