The basic flower forms are illustrated in Figure 1. To avoid confusion in classifying azalea varieties, the more common groups that grow well in the state are described below. The first Kurume azaleas were brought to the United States from Japan around 1915, causing a wave of popularity of the evergreen azaleas. This is not completely correct, though, because many varieties grow 4 to 6 feet tall. However, they grow slower and have smaller leaves and flowers than the Southern Indian azaleas.
Most Kurume azaleas are cold hardy and can be grown anywhere in Alabama.
You can choose from many colors, including lavender, pink, orange, red, and white. Hinode Giri blooms profusely about midseason. It is a low, rounded, compact plant with red flowers. The plant is compact and blooms about midseason. Coral Bells blooms early and profusely.