The difference between the stone rock rhododendron and the summer cuckoo and the hairy rhododendron
Rhododendron stony, Rhododendron sinensis, Rhododendron chinensis and Rhododendron hairy are three common types of rhododendrons, and there are some obvious differences in morphological characteristics, growth environment and flowering period. The following will be a detailed comparison and differentiation of these three types of azaleas.
1. Comparison of morphological characteristics.
Stone Rock Rhododendron: Stone rock rhododendron is an evergreen shrub or small tree with a height of between 1-5 meters. Its leaves are oval or oblong, leathery, with a smooth surface and yellow or gray pubescence on the back. The flowers of the stone rock rhododendron are usually large and brightly colored, with 5-7 petals, usually white or pink, sometimes with dark red spots or stripes.
Summer Juan: The summer cuckoo is a semi-evergreen shrub with a height of between 2-3 meters. Its leaves are oval or oblong-oval, with a smooth surface and sometimes grayish-white pubescence on the back. The flowers of the summer cuckoo are usually slightly smaller than those of the stone rock rhododendron, and the color is more muted, with 5-6 petals, mostly pink or lavender, but there are also white or pale yellow varieties.
Rhododendron tomentosa: Rhododendron tomentosa is a deciduous shrub with a height of between 1-2 meters. Its leaves are oval or ovate, with fine hairs on the surface and a dense grayish-white hairs on the back. The flowers of the hairy rhododendron are smaller, with 5 petals, mostly pink or purple, but there are also white or yellow varieties.
2. Comparison of growth environment.
Stone Rock Rhododendron: Stone rock rhododendron prefers to grow in sunny, well-drained, acidic soils, and is commonly found in mountains, hills, limestone and other areas.
Summer Juan: Summer Juan likes to grow in a warm and humid environment, and is adapted to grow in half-shaded and half-sunny slopes, underforests, grasslands, etc. It is less demanding on the soil, but grows better in well-drained, acidic soils.
Rhododendron tomentosa: Rhododendron prefers to grow in warm and humid environments, and is adapted to grow in underforests, shrubs, grasslands, etc. It is also not strict on the soil, but it grows better in well-drained, acidic soils.
3. Comparison of flowering periods.
Stone Rock Rhododendron: Stone Rock Rhododendron generally blooms from spring to early summer, and the exact time varies depending on the species.
Summer cuckoo: The summer cuckoo blooms between summer and autumn, depending on the variety.
Rhododendron: The rhododendron blooms between spring and summer, depending on the species.
In summary, there are obvious differences between Rhododendron stony, Rhododendron sinensis and Rhododendron tomentosa in terms of morphological characteristics, growth environment and flowering period. When choosing which rhododendron to plant, it should be considered comprehensively based on individual preferences and environmental conditions.