Deciduous or Coniferous

• All North American azaleas, also known as "native azaleas" are deciduous. This means that they lose their petals in the fall. There is also an evergreen type of azalea which can survive in the winter. However, the evergreen type is not considered truly coniferous because it does not produce cones. These flowers drop their leaves twice--- once in the spring and once in the fall.
  
  

Rhododendron or Azalea

• All azaleas are classified as Rhododendron. However, the name "azalea" is applied to the native deciduous class and a few oriental evergreen types. Generally, the name Rhododendron is applied to the flowers with large, leathery evergreen leaves.
  
  

Location

• Azaleas and Rhododendrons thrive in mild humid conditions. Many deciduous azaleas do not tolerate high temperatures for long periods of time, especially at night time. Azaleas can grow from cold temperatures ranging from 0 degrees to -30 degrees.
  
  

Soil Types

• Azaleas and Rhododendrons enjoy rich, acidic soil. They like mulch that absorbs moisture and mulch that also facilitates drainage of water. Sandy or clay areas are not suitable planting soils for azaleas.
  
  

Problems

• Azaleas do not usually have many problems. If they do encounter problems, that is usually due to specific requirements not being met such as using appropriate and moist mulch, poor drainage and deficiencies in the soil's pH levels. PH levels should be around 5.5 to 6.0.