Azaleas ( ə-ZAY-lee-ə) are flowering shrubs in the genus Rhododendron, particularly the former subgenera Tsutsusi (evergreen) and Pentanthera (deciduous). Azaleas bloom in the spring (April and May in the temperate Northern Hemisphere, and October and November in the Southern Hemisphere), their flowers often lasting several weeks. Shade tolerant, they prefer living near or under trees. They are part of the family Ericaceae.

Closest relatives