The Differences About Hibiscus Vs Azalea and Care Tips

At glance, you may think that Hibiscus and Azalea are included into the same genus, why? That’s because they both grow well in areas with warm summers and also have a variety of flower colors. But the fact, both are different and do not come from the same genus.

Hibiscus included to mallow family, Malvaceae. Meanwhile, Azalea is a type of flowering plant in the genus Rhododendron, from the Ericaceae family. Simply to say, the genus of several species of flowering plants, while Azalea is one species of flowering plants that belongs to a certain genus.

After you know that those plants are different, you may want to know more about both including identification of each plant, growing tips, maintaining tips and many more. Well, to learn about both, let’s find out some interesting points in our post below!

About Hibiscus

Identification

Hibiscus is a genus where there are numerous members including. Some of them are tropical in nature and others are hardy landscape shrubs. However, a lot of people thinks that hibiscus is a type of flower which often refers to one of the varieties of hibiscus, namely Hibiscus rosa-sinensis or Chinese hibiscus, though there are still many other varieties included.

Throughout the world spread hibiscus more than 200 species. This plant provides many advantages for the health of the human body. Various parts of this plant are commonly used to create spices, tea, jams, soups,  sauces, and many more.

Growing Tips

Hibiscus will grow well in full sun, in either spring for perennial hibiscus or late spring/early summer for tropical hibiscus. As you know, hibiscus come in a variety of looks and colors, but there are two general types of hibiscus; hardy and tropical.

So, make sure to understand both how to plant tropical hibiscus and how to plant hardy hibiscus. However, both have different growing tips. Tropical hibiscus will grown in areas with warm weather with temperature above 50^o F year-round. while hardy hibiscus are hybrids which have been developed to grow in cold areas where the temperatures may drop below freezing in the winter.

To grow hibiscus, you can choose your hibiscus either from seed, from a cutting or from a transplant. Hibiscus must not be planted until well after the winter season has ended. Make sure to choose a full-sun area, but not too much direct sunlight without getting sunburned. You can plant the hibiscus next to a larger tree to shade the direct sunlight.

Taking Care

You also have to try finding a location which has good drainage, as water-pooling will drown out your hibiscus. Make sure to avoid a location which is mainly sand. Before planting, it’s better for you to check the soil’s drainage and permeability.

Hibiscus prefers acidic soil, anything above 6.5 pH scale will have to be more acidic. So, make sure to test the pH of your garden soil. You also need to supplement the soil with a number of fertilizer and nutrients.

Ensure to add fertilizer at least once. Putting the mulch, hummus and organic matter is a must in order to keep the soil moist. Keep the plant  from pests and diseases including mealy bugs, aphids and mites. You can also prune this plant once a year in autumn or winter.

About Azalea

Identification

Azalea well known as “The Royalty of the Garden” that has brightly colored flowers with beautiful form and foliage. Azaleas have been developed as popular houseplants. They mostly grow throughout much of  East Asia and there are more than 50 species of azaleas in North America.

The flowers develop in early summer in June and in the fall, they will fall the leaves, especially in the American species. While Asian Azaleas have leaves which are green all year round. The color of the flowers vary from yellow, red, pink, white and purple. In wild habitats, this plant commonly grows in forests and marshy areas.

Growing Tips

Before planting Azalea, make sure to choose the right type of Azalea for your garden. You also have to select a spot with the best growing conditions. You can grow them is in late spring or early fall. Evergreen Azaleas will do well in partial shade with some wind protection, while deciduous varieties flower more profusely in full sun.

Make sure to provide well-drained, humus-rich soil which is slightly acidic. (pH 4.5 – 6). But, if there are low amounts of nitrogen in the soil, make sure to apply fertilizer to prevent a nutrient deficiency.

In this case, the symptoms of deficiency in Azaleas include stunted growth, early leaf drop or smaller greenish yellow leaves. Make sure to fertilize Azalea in late spring to early fall. You also have to give mulch to keep Azalea moist as they have shallow-rooted

Taking Care

In order to keep Azalea looking healthy, it’s important for you to choose a proper planting location and practice appropriate Azalea care. In this case, this plant actually looks the most attractive when they are planted alone, but mass plantings will work well in larger areas, such as wooded sites.

You can place azalea in a background of plant such as pines or any other acid-loving plants that will assist set off their colors while reducing their heavy effect because the flower coverage on Azaleas encompasses the entire shrub

You should plant Azalea in the spring, preferably within cool, lightly shaded sites. In this case, full sun, especially in southernmost climates, will burn the leaves while heavy shade can deprive them of necessary oxygen, causing weaker growth and poor blooming.

With proper care of Azalea, you can keep Azaleas away from diseases and pests, that’s because disease and problems will exist. In this case, insects will also affect Azalea including lace bugs and spider mites.