Azaleas are members of the Rhododendron genus, and similarly, azalea's thick leaves can be evergreen in the South and deciduous in the North. Flowers return year after year, blooming perennially.

Azaleas are a long-lived bush, but nothing lasts forever. Answer: Unfortunately, there is not much you can do for you planting of azaleas. Like all living things plants get old and die. For azaleas, 35 years is a ripe old age.

So, here's a quick guide: if the mature spread of your azalea is 3 feet, then set your azaleas in the ground 3-feet-apart on center. This will allow your azaleas to touch and form a formal hedge at maturity. If you prefer a mounded natural look with space between plants, then consider 4- to 5-foot spacing on center.

Azaleas are perennial flowering shrubs, usually bearing flowers from March to June, depending on the variety. There are thousands of varieties to choose from, with flower colours ranging from pinks and purples to reds, oranges and yellows.