'Choice Cream' is one of the different color forms and hybrids developed by the late plantsman Fred Galle at Callaway Gardens in Georgia. In May the pink buds open to fragrant light yellow flowers with a yellow blotch and fade to cream. A 12-year-old plant grew to about 5 feet high with equal spread. (R. austrinum x R. atlanticum.) Z. 6-8(9)

Summer-blooming Deciduous Azaleas are always a refreshing eyeful. 'Lady Barbara' has pink flowers in abundance in June and July. Brilliant fall color in scarlet and gold. (R. arborescens x R. cumberlandense). Z. 5-7(8)

This older hybrid is still considered one of the best. Double, light yellow flowers with pointed petals and a nice fragrance open in May. A tall, upright shrub, broadening with age. Best in cooler climates. Z. 5-8

Extremely fragrant flowers are the draw on this old 19th-century hybrid of the Chinese Azalea and the Swamp Azalea that has withstood the test of time. This May-flowering Azalea blooms a pale yellowish white with a yellow blotch, and the flowers are displayed in dense clusters on a medium-sized shrub suitable for moist areas in the garden. (R. molle x R. viscosum). Z. 5-9

Unusual peach-colored flowers appear in June on this hybrid of two native deciduous Azaleas. Z. 5-9

Starting in late April or early May we see the light pink flowers of this native Azalea along roadsides and at the edge of woods in our area. The delicate low-branched shrub is rarely over 5 feet. It does well in quite heavy shade and does not seem to mind infertile sandy soil. Formerly known as R. nudiflorum. Z. 4-8

A really choice Native Azalea, rarely available in commerce. Clear rose-pink bell-shaped flowers, which appear before the leaves, make a spectacular show in midspring. Smooth leaves, at least 4 inches long, create a distinctive texture and change to light red in fall. This native of the mountains of western North Carolina appreciates moist but well-drained soil, and prospers in areas with cooler summers. It even tolerates wet (but not clay) soils, making it a good choice for naturalizing along a pond or stream bank. Z. 4-7

Native to moist areas from Maine to Florida and Texas, the Swamp Azalea is a low to medium-sized shrub with flowers from mid-May to June with a spicy clove-like scent. Flower color is variable, generally white, but with pink, yellow, and even apricot shades possible. The handsome foliage is a glossy deep green, making this easy-to-grow shrub attractive even when not in bloom. This Azalea attracted the attention of early colonists and was the first native North American Azalea sent back to England in 1680. Rare in the trade, even after over 300 years of cultivation! Z. 4-9
Specimen Plants, grown in 2.5-gallon pots.

This really vigorous and easy-to-grow Azalea produces fragrant white flowers in June. Most native Azalea species are a bit slow to establish, but this natural hybrid shoots right up, easily reaching 8-10 feet or more, and it will thrill you with loads of fragrant flowers in early summer. Z. 5-8

Lovely flowers in a pastel blend of peach and pink open in July on this new introduction. Flowers are enhanced with a moderate fragrance. Sturdy dark green leaves have bluish backsides. Because of the delicate coloration, it's probably best to plant where there is some afternoon shade. Z. 4b-8

After a particularly harsh winter during the 1930's, Ed Mezitt of Weston Nurseries in Massachusetts started breeding and selecting for very cold-hardy Azaleas. A medium shrub, 'Weston's Lemon Drop' has peach-colored buds that open to fragrant vivid yellow flowers in June and July. The clean blue-green leaves redden in fall before dropping. 'Weston's Lemon Drop' is a R. viscosum hybrid.
Bushy plants, grown in 2.5-gallon pots.

A newly released early-July bloomer, 'Weston's Sparkler' has large, ruffled, deep pink flowers that are highly fragrant. Glossy, bluish leaves with silvery undersides turn deep purple in fall.