One the most delightful of all spring-flowering shrubs is the azalea. This is true whether you plant rutherfordians, kurumes or indicas, all of these being splendid azalea varieties. Their lovely pastel shades, which have placed this subject at the head cf the spring floral parade, include tones of snowy white, lavender, pink, rose, salmon, orange and red.

Azaleas are characterized not by any peculiar growing habits but rather by the appearance of the plants and their flowers. To make a truly intelligent selection of varieties you should know the distinguishing marks of the various classes.

It is often argued that the rutherfordians combine all the best traits of the other azalea types. Single, double and semidouble flowers are available in all the spring shade from white through deep carmine. The rutherfordiana azalea is an evergreen which means that even after the flowering season a lovely foliage show is possible. The flowers are quite large and usually produced in clusters.

The plants range from two to four feet in height at maturity and thus can easily be accommodated in the average garden. During the flowering season the plants are almost completely covered with blooms. The buds suffer from frost when the temperature drops below 20 degrees but the plants, according to one outstanding authority, are hardy right down to zero.

Slightly taller than the rutherfordianas are the kurume azaleas, ranging roughly from two to six feet. Their name is due to the fact that they were hybridized in Kurume, Japan. They were introduced to this country about 30 years ago. Perhaps the distinguishing mark of this type .is the tremendous profusion of bloom.

The foliage of the kurume azaleas is quite small and often drops off during the early winter months. The plants are low growing and have a dense or heavy habit of growth. For mass planting near foundations, the kurume azalea is a natural, also as a facer in front of the taller growing indica azaleas. Single, double and semi-double flowers are available.

Indian azaleas, also known as azalea indica, are perhaps the most spectacular of the group. These are the specimens that have brought much fame to the gardens of the south. The Carolinas especially are noted for their showing of azaleas on private estates. The cities of Charleston, Savannah and Mobile in the deep south are also far famed for their glorious azalea shows in the spring.

Indian azaleas grow quickly into large-sized shrubs, often attaining the stature of a small tree. Tremendous-sized blooms characterize this type, individual florets often measuring three to four inches across. The flowers are mainly doubles and semidoubles. While the original type originated in Asia most of the garden types now available are a result of American hybridizing.

Azaleas have come to be known as shade-loving plants and shady locations are best for them. They prosper either in shade or partial shade, the north side of the house being an ideal spot for them. Under trees and in filtered sunlight is also a satisfactory position. Azaleas prefer an acid soil, a condition brought about by liberal quantities of peat or leaf mold being added to the existing soil. Also when feeding be sure to use an acid plant food. Lots of water is required to keep the plants happy, especially during the warmer time of the year.