Rhododendron 'PJM' vs Evergreen azalea
Every azalea is a rhododendron: they are one genus. What gardeners call rhododendrons are mostly the large-leaved evergreen kinds with flowers in big trusses; azaleas have smaller leaves, often lose some or all of them in winter, and have more open flowers in looser clusters. Both want acid, moist, well-drained soil and some shade.
 Rhododendron 'PJM'Rhododendron 'PJM' | Evergreen azalea Rhododendron (Kurume hybrids) | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 5 ft tall, 5 ft wide | 4 ft tall, 5 ft wide |
| Plant | 4 ft apart | 4 ft apart |
| Zones | 4 to 8 | 6 to 9 |
| Light | Part sun to part shade | Part sun to part shade |
| Soil | Evenly moist, rich fertility | Evenly moist, rich fertility |
| Flowers | Late April to mid May; purple | Mid April to mid May; pink, red, white, purple |
| Leaves | Medium, evergreen | Fine, evergreen |
| Job in a bed | Anchor | Anchor |
| Pets | Toxic (severe) | Toxic (severe) |
| Deer | No record | No record |
| Native | No | No |
| Spread | Low risk | Low risk |
Rows where they differ are marked. Flowering times are for zone 5.
Which to choose
- Choose rhododendron 'PJM' for colder gardens (to zone 4).
- Choose evergreen azalea for warmer gardens (to zone 9).
Can they grow together?
Yes: they grow in the same conditions. Beside rhododendron 'PJM', evergreen azalea is in flower together for four weeks, from late April; happy in the same moist soil. They share part sun and part shade and zones 6 to 8.
Read more: all about rhododendron 'PJM', and all about evergreen azalea, each with a bed the planner designed around it.