Azalea (Rhododendron spp.)

 Closely related to rhododendrons, azalea shrubs are usually deciduous woody plants that bloom in spring. There is a vast array of colors available, inluding bright red azaleas such as 'Stewartstonian' (Rhododendron x Gable 'Stewartstonian'), suitable for growing in zones 5–8. The green summer foliage of this red azalea yields to a mahogany color in winter, making it an ideal candidate to provide year-round interest on the landscape.

There are also azaleas bred for colder climates, as far north as zone 3. Azalea shrubs can vary greatly in size, ranging from dwarf varieties growing 3 or 4 feet tall to 15-foot varieties. The azalea is a good choice for foundation plantings since most varieties remain a relatively compact plants.