Rhododendron or Azalea Bush

Sometimes I am confused with the different names of a certain flower. Just like this rhododendron flowers. I was trying to find the flower cut-outs that I collected in newspapers or flyers to know the name of the flowers in our garden or flowers that I see in the neighborhood. I finally find the name of this flower. I was just not sure if it is really the right one..Now I finally found it..It is Rhododendron or Azaleas which is also called Azaleen Busch in German. I took this photo in a neighbor's garden as we went walking yesterday.

Azaleas are flowering shrubs making up part of the genus Rhododendron. Originally azaleas were classed as a different genus of plant, but now they are recognised as two of the eight sub-genera of rhododendrons - subgenus Pentanthera (deciduous), and subgenus Tsutsuji (evergreen). Azaleas bloom in spring, their flowers dying only a few weeks later. They do not need as much sun as other plants; they live near trees and sometimes under them.

copyright photo of the Author of this site

Cultivation
Plant enthusiasts have created azaleas for hundreds of years. This human genetic modification has produced over 10,000 different cultivars which are propagated by cuttings. Azalea seeds can also be collected and germinated.

Azaleas grow best in well-drained soil or in plant pots in a cool, shady position. They are easily damaged by excessive soil moisture and grow best in acidic soil (4.5 - 6.0 pH).[2] Fertilizer is optional, although some species do need regular pruning.