Refers to flowering shrubs of the genus Rhododendron, especially the evergreen azaleas commonly seen in Japanese gardens and parks.
The azaleas in the park are in full bloom.
This azalea blooms beautifully every year.
The azaleas in the park are now in full bloom.
I planted azaleas along the garden hedge.
エリカ (heath) and ツツジ (azalea) are both flowering shrubs in the same family Ericaceae, but they belong to different genera and have distinct flower shapes.
stump · counter for trees
The word is usually written in kana; this is the most common spelling.
Katakana spelling, often used in botanical contexts or for emphasis.
Rare kanji form; the reading is a jukujikun. Almost never used in modern writing.
The origin is uncertain. The kanji 躑躅 are a jukujikun, assigned based on meaning rather than sound. The word itself is native Japanese, possibly related to the way the flowers bloom in clusters.