Azalea Bloom Times and Flowering Groups

Few shrubs can match the fantastic flower power that azaleas are loved for.

Reliable, vivid colors, masses of blooms, and easy-care maintenance make them a favorite among flowering shrubs.

While most folks tend to think of azaleas as spring flowering, there are many types that bloom in summer and fall as well.

And that means, with a little planning and a bit of space, you can enjoy their spectacular floral displays for months at a stretch, rather than just a few weeks per year.

We link to vendors to help you find relevant products. If you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission.

The Rhododendron Handbook now lists over 800 species and 10,000 registered cultivars – and there are even more listed with the American Rhododendron Society.

This guide doesn’t serve as a complete catalog of the available types, but you’ll find a good selection of established performers that could make a handsome addition to your garden!

Here’s what’s ahead:

In the large world of azaleas, plants are grouped according to a wide range of characteristics.

This includes deciduous or evergreen plants, native species or introduced hybrids, flower forms, and growth habits.

And native North American species can also be placed in color groups of white, pink, and orange-to-red.

Many cultivars are also grouped into series and are often named for the original plant breeder or the breeding location – such as PJM for the Boston breeder Peter John Mezitt, or Ghent for the hybrids from Ghent, Belgium.

The flowering groups give us the info we need for planning a continuous floral display.

Bloom times are divided into three flowering groups of early, mid, and late or fall flowering varieties.