What is this bush?

Kim S
by Kim S
I have 3 of these bushes in my front yard, they are about 5-6 ft. tall and 5 ft. wide. Does anyone know what they are? They are planted in mostly shade but seem to do better in the area where they have more sun.
  15 answers
  • Marie Marie on Apr 21, 2014
    Azaleas
  • As Marie states they are Azaleas and here in the south some do better in shade and some can tolerate sun. They require little maintenance and if you ever need to trim them down-do it after they bloom so you can still enjoy blooms the next year. Happy gardening.
  • Kim S Kim S on Apr 21, 2014
    Thanks! I have never seen an azalea this big before, so I thought it would be something else. I am such an amateur! Thank goodness for this website and everyone on it!
    • Jeanette S Jeanette S on Apr 22, 2014
      @Kim S Certain varieties of Azalea can get very tall...my Mom had them grow up to the roof line! But you can trim them back. If you need help with gardening, visit the web page of Walter Williams the Georgia Gardner...he is sooo helpful. And watch for is TV show on weekends on public broadcasting. Check his web page for listing! I LOVE WALTER! (You may have such a guy in SC but still, you are close enough to us to benefit from his advice.)
  • Elizabeth Poteat Elizabeth Poteat on Apr 21, 2014
    After they finish blooming and before they put on new growth you can cut them back and they will come back much fuller and prettier.
  • Marian D Marian D on Apr 21, 2014
    I think they are actually rhododendrons.
    • See 2 previous
    • Connie K Connie K on Apr 23, 2014
      @Marian D I grew up in the Mid-South (Memphis) and if you went to look at the yards at some of the large, older home their yards would have azaleas that were way over my head and I'm 5' 4". I am beginning to think that the growers must have been concentrating on coming up with smaller sizes given the size of today's houses and lawns. But, in the spring when in bloom, seeing all those really tall and large azaleas all planted right next to each other is a breath-taking sight.
  • Louise L Louise L on Apr 21, 2014
    Azaleas
  • Wona Chennault Wona Chennault on Apr 22, 2014
    I have seen azaleas that went all the way up to an eve of a house they were beautiful in bloom...so if well cared for and not diseased they can get quite large
  • Ell323842 Ell323842 on Apr 22, 2014
    Rhododendrons
  • Linda Kinsman Linda Kinsman on Apr 22, 2014
    I think these are Azalea's too@Kim S because of the blooms and the leaves.
  • Claudia Claudia on Apr 23, 2014
    Kim, you live in a state that is famous for its azaleas. Azaleas have 1 stamen for each of the 5 petals and 2 stamens for each rhododendren petal. After theyre done blooming, you can trim them way back if you like.
  • Lauren Ryszka Lauren Ryszka on Apr 23, 2014
    I'm from GA and they are azaleas. They are everywhere the further south you go in the state.
  • Sue Hebert Sue Hebert on Apr 23, 2014
    Azaleas are a southern staple for our yards. They will grow very tall if you let you let them go or can be shaped nicely. I lived in a woodsy area and had them growing along my drive and I liked the natural look of them there. They grew quite large.
  • Kati Muhlhauser Kati Muhlhauser on Apr 23, 2014
    Actually, you're all right! Azaleas ARE Rhododendrons!
  • Claudia Claudia on Apr 24, 2014
    Kati is right. All azaleas are rhododendrens, but not all rhododendrens are azaleas. Confusing :)
  • Louise L Louise L on Oct 23, 2014
    azaleas. this bush would look much better and healthier if cut back into smaller shape.