Rhodies to Treasure

Azaleas and rhododendrons, both belonging to the Rhododendron genus, are a hallmark of spring. Whether they flank a suburban doorway or sit atop a Japanese-style planting as focal point, these shrubs are loved for their graceful habit, pop of spring color, and evergreen leaves. See some stunning species and cultivars in this slideshow.

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

Scotts Cordless Grass-Shear/Shrub-Trimmer Combo

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With a built-in 7.2-volt lithium-ion battery, this little guy weighs less than 2 lb. and can zip through all your minor pruning tasks quickly and easily.
- 13.5 x 3 x 5 inches
- Uses a 7.2-Volt 2Ah high-capacity built-in lithium-ion battery; Includes a fast charger

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DeWalt Variable-Speed Cordless Reciprocating Saw

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You can fit a variety of blades to this saw to cut fallen branches or prune larger limbs from trees in a pinch. It’s fast, tough, easy to use, and extremely versatile.
- 18.31 x 6.13 x 4 inches
- 1-1/8-inch stroke length
- Variable speed trigger with 0-3000 spm

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DeWalt Variable-Speed Cordless Reciprocating Saw with 6-Piece Saw Blade Set

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You can fit a variety of blades to this saw to cut fallen branches or prune larger limbs from trees in a pinch. It’s fast, tough, easy to use, and extremely versatile.
- 18.31 x 6.13 x 4 inches
- 1-1/8-inch stroke length
- Variable speed trigger with 0-3000 spm
- DW4856 Metal/Woodcutting Reciprocating Saw Blade Set, 6-Piece

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  Plant Guide

  Rhododendron 'Admiral Semmes'

  This native azalea, winner of the 2007 Georgia Gold medal award, will thrive in heat and humidity, which is why it is a good choice for the South.
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  Plant Guide

  Pinkshell azalea 'Rhododendron vaseyi'

  This deciduous azalea bears trusses of 4 to 8 broadly funnel-shaped, unscented clear pink flowers in early mid-season.
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  Plant Guide

  Rhododendron prunifolium 'Plumleaf azalea'

  This late-flowering azalea has bright red flowers over crisp green leaves in summer to autumn.
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  Plant Guide

  Rhododendron calendulaceum 'Flame azalea'

  In late midseason, as leaves emerge or just after, this plant bears lax trusses of yellow to dark reddish orange flowers.
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  Plant Guide

  Rhododendron viscosum and cvs. 'Swamp azalea'

  This deciduous azalea has dark green leaves and funnel-shaped white flowers suffused with pink.
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  Plant Guide

  Rhododendron canescens 'Piedmont azalea'

  This narrow deciduous azalea bears fragrant, funnel-shaped, white, pink, or deep rose flowers.