What Is The Size Of An Azalea? Explore Different Varieties That Will Suit Every Garden

Azaleas are flowering shrubs popular in landscaping. They are prized for their showy spring flowers and ability to grow in shady areas. You can even find native types of azaleas, which are all members of the Rhododendron genus. Some azaleas are evergreen, while others are deciduous.

Growing different types of azaleas is popular, but what is the size of an azalea? Because they’re so well-liked, azaleas have been developed to come in a range of sizes. Dwarf varieties can be as small as two feet (0.6 m) tall and wide, while the biggest types are up to 20 feet (6 m). Here are some examples of azalea varieties in different sizes.

Dwarf Azaleas

The size of an azalea can vary a lot, but for the smallest spaces, look for dwarf varieties or naturally small species. Growing azaleas in containers is also a good way to use dwarf varieties.

• Coastal Azalea. This is a native azalea that grows along the coast from New Jersey down to Georgia. It typically has white flowers but with some pink coloration and a strong fragrance. Coastal azalea grows low, from one to only five feet (0.3 to 1.5 m) tall.
• Dwarf Encore Azaleas. Encore azaleas come in many varieties, including a series of dwarf types of azaleas grown in containers. These grow no more than three feet (0.9 m) and come in a range of colors, including pink, lilac, and coral. Encore azaleas bloom in spring and fall.
• ‘Windbeam.’ ‘Windbeam’ is a smaller variety, growing to three to four feet (0.9 to 1.2 m). It has white flowers that turn pink and deciduous leaves that turn bronze in fall.
• ‘Fragrant Star.’ Choose this compact variety (three to four feet) for stunning, pure white flowers and a heady aroma. It has some heat tolerance compared to other types.

Mid-Sized Azaleas

For slightly larger spaces, choose these medium azaleas that do not grow quite as large as the biggest species and varieties.

• Mountain Azalea. This is a native species. It grows between six and eight feet (1.8 and 2.4 m) wide and sometimes a little taller. The flowers are fragrant and pink.
• Flame Azalea. Flame azalea matures to a size between four and eight feet (1.2 and 2.4 m) tall. It is native to the Appalachian area from Georgia to Pennsylvania and has bright orange flowers.
• Southern Indica Hybrids. Look for these hybrids to grow a medium-sized azalea that tolerates more sun than other types. The different varieties in this series grow up to six or eight feet (1.8 or 2.4 m) tall. ‘Brilliant’ has deep red flowers. ‘Southern Charm’ is deep, watermelon pink. ‘Orange Pride’ has bright orange flowers.
• ‘Rosy Lights.’ This variety grows up to six feet (1.8 m) tall and wide. It is hardier than many other types and can grow in zones 3 through 7. The flowers are deep rosy pink. ‘Rosy Lights’ is part of the Northern Lights series of azaleas suitable for colder climates.

Large Azaleas

The size of azalea bushes can be as much as 20 feet (6 m). These large species and varieties are good for big spaces you hope to fill with a shade-tolerant shrub or small tree. Other shade-loving plants like ferns, hostas, and daffodils make great companion plants for azaleas that are large.

• Florida Azalea. This native species is suitable for warm climates and grows up to 15 feet (4.6 m) tall. It produces fragrant yellow flowers, but some may have pale orange blooms.
• Swamp Azalea. This is a great choice for a large azalea that tolerates water in the soil. Native to the eastern and southern U.S., swamp azalea has white flowers and a spicy fragrance. It grows between up to 15 feet (0.9 to 4.6 m) and can be trimmed to the desired size.
• ‘Pink Shell.’ ‘Pink Shell’ can grow up to 15 feet tall and produces delicately pale pink flowers. It has good fall color and is large enough to be used as a tall border or hedge.
• ‘Kennel’s Gold.’ This native hybrid grows up to 15 feet tall. The striking flowers have golden yellow petals with orange tubes and long stamens.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Azalea Inspiration

• Already have some azaleas but they aren't thriving the way they should? Learn more about common azalea diseases and problems.
• Pruning azaleas is an important part of their care. The Pruning & Trimming Set in the Gardening Know How Shop can help you trim with ease.
• Want more azaleas? Learn how to propagate azalea cuttings from your existing shrubs for endless azaleas!
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