BELGIAN INDIAN HYBRIDS (AKA BELGIAN INDICA)
Bred in the early 1800's, mostly in Belgium, for greenhouse growing and the florist trade (therefore somewhat cold-sensitive, not recommended where temperatures drop below 25 degrees F). In the landscape Belgian Indian Hybrids grow as lush, full, well-branched shrubs to 4' or more tall and as wide. Large, usually double or semi-double flowers in great profusion during the spring flowering season, often with some fall bloom.

BROOKS HYBRIDS
Bred by Leonard Brooks of Modesto, CA for heat resistance, compact growth habit, and large flowers. Bloom is mid-season to late. Unpruned, ultimately about 4' tall. Not for coldest areas.

GABLE HYBRIDS
Developed in southeastern Pennsylvania as Kurume type azaleas that would withstand temperatures to 0 degrees F. Semi-deciduous in coldest areas. Heavy bloom from late April through May.

GOLD CUP HYBRIDS
Developed in San Bernadino for florist forcing azaleas. These hybrids combine the large flowers of the Belgian Indians with the vigor and hardiness of the Rutherfordianas. Good for landscaping where temperatures don't drop below 20 degrees F. Medium size growers.

KURUME HYBRIDS
Mostly 19th century hybrids from Kyushu, Japan, though the initial breeding began over 300 years ago. Shrubs are compact, naturally mounded or tiered, densely foliated with small leaves. Flowers are small, mostly single, some hose-in-hose, incredibly profuse. Hardy to about 5 degrees F. Sun-tolerant with sufficient water, but not good for hot, dry, windy locations. Often a lighter, repeat fall bloom.

NUCCIO HYBRIDS
Developed by Julius and Joe Nuccio in Altadena, starting in 1935, these are hardy and vigorous forcing and garden azaleas. Growth habit is compact and twiggy, ultimately from 3' to 5' tall if left unpruned. Especially well adapted to the mild and dry climate of Southern California.

RUTHERFORDIANA HYBRIDS
Developed for greenhouse forcing in East Rutherford, New Jersey, these are the American equivalents of the Belgian Indian hybrids. Fine for landscaping in areas that don't get colder than 20 degrees F. Plants are bushy, in the 2' to 4' range, with handsome foliage. Flower size is intermediate, between the Belgian Indians and the Kurumes; blossoms may be single, semi-double, or double.

SATSUKI HYBRIDS
The name means 'fifth month' in Japanese, and that is when these hybrids start blooming, from mid-May to June. Enormous range of flower size and growth habit. Some plants produce solid color blooms on the same plant with blooms speckled or striped white. Not for mid day or afternoon sun. Hardy to about 5 degrees F.

SOUTHERN INDIAN HYBRIDS (AKA SOUTHERN INDICA)
These are the famous azaleas of the deep South, descendants of those Belgian Indians that were able to take full sun. Generally grow faster, taller, and more vigorously than other azalea types, from 4' to 6' tall. 'Sun azaleas' is a generic reference to this group of hybrids. Hardy to at least 20 degrees F.