Azalea Planting Azaleas are among the most popular flowering shrubs grown in South Carolina. Good site selection and proper planting methods will make a difference in promoting healthy, vigorous plants. Botanically, all azaleas are classified in the genus Rhododendron. Most azaleas are deciduous, although most types used in the home landscape are evergreen. True rhododendron flowers tend to be bell-shaped.
Most azalea flowers are funnel-form.
There are numerous azalea varieties available in South Carolina. When choosing which azaleas to add to your landscape, it is important to consider whether a variety is adapted to the area in which it will be planted. Poorly adapted varieties often give poor results year after year. There are both evergreen and deciduous types of azaleas. Although the evergreen type is more popular for use around the home, deciduous azaleas are excellent plants for woodland settings.