Can azaleas and rhododendrons be successfully grown in Iowa?

Question:

Can azaleas and rhododendrons be successfully grown in Iowa?

Answer:

There are more than 900 species and innumerable cultivars of azaleas and rhododendrons.  However, only a small number perform well in Iowa.  To be successful, the Iowa gardener must select cold hardy cultivars, choose suitable planting sites, and follow recommended planting procedures.  

Azaleas and rhododendrons are members of the genus Rhododendron.  Deciduous members of the genus are commonly called “azaleas” while the evergreen species are referred to as “rhododendrons.”