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Beautiful Azaleas and Rhododendrons for the Mid-Atlantic Region

Deciduous Azaleas, Evergreen Azaleas, Lepidote Rhododendrons, Elepidote Rhododendrons

Mid-Atlantic Azaleas, Mid-Atlantic Rhododendrons, Mid-Atlantic Deciduous Azaleas, Mid-Atlantic Evergreen Azaleas

Azaleas and Rhododendrons, with their magnificent flowers, are some of the best-loved sights of spring. Producing a blaze of color from early spring through the summer and even into the fall, Azaleas and Rhododendrons are popular ornamental shrubs for gardens of all sizes. Evergreen or deciduous, they come in all shapes and sizes, from small, ground-hugging shrubs to large, tree-like specimens. Their flowers range from the tiny and delicate blossoms of floriferous dwarf shrubs to the huge clusters or ‘trusses’ of tall growing hybrids and species. Some are fragrant, and others feature wonderful foliage, adding glorious fall color to the landscape. All are fascinating.

Azaleas and Rhododendrons are members of the genus Rhododendron, one of the largest genera in the plant world, which includes over 900 species and over 20,000 named hybrids of Rhododendrons and Azaleas. Attractive landscape plants in cool and moist climates, many varieties have been struggling in the eastern United States due to the hot dry summers and fluctuating winter temperatures.

The following is a list of Azaleas and Rhododendrons recognized as proven performers in the Mid-Atlantic region. Most of them have received the Rhododendron of the Year Award of the American Rhododendron Society. To be selected for such an award, a plant must have excellent foliage and flowers, have an attractive plant habit, be pest and disease resistant, and be cold hardy for the region.

Guide Information

Hardiness 5 - 7
Heat Zones 3 - 6
Plant Type Shrubs
Genus Rhododendron
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early)
Fall
Winter
Height
Spread
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Landscaping Ideas Patio And Containers, Hedges And Screens, Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders, Small Gardens
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Traditional Garden

Beautiful Azaleas and Rhododendrons for the Mid-Atlantic Region

 

Remember that the ability to grow Azaleas and Rhododendrons successfully depends also on the site selection and soil preparation.

  • Their soil should be acidic, organic, moist, fertile and well-drained.
  • Choose a site with dappled shade in sheltered conditions. Avoid deep shade beneath other trees. Most Rhododendrons will tolerate a more open site if sheltered from cold, dry winds. Dwarf alpine species will tolerate full sun provided the soil is kept evenly moist.
  • Many Azaleas and Rhododendrons are fully cold hardy, however a few of them have frost-resistant flowers. Any flowers blooming before the last spring frost are susceptible to damage. Since the frost damage is generally caused when the early morning sun strikes the plants’ frozen tissues, you should site your Azalea or Rhododendron where both leaves and flowers are protected from the early morning sun, and where they will adapt slowly to the increasing temperatures of the day. Since frost flows downward, avoid planting them in low-lying spots known to be frost pockets.
  • When placing plants, always choose locations that mitigate extreme temperature changes, especially in spring and fall, and provide protection from drying summer or winter winds. Azaleas and Rhododendrons may be harmed in winter by frozen grounds and drying winds or bright sun which will cause severe foliage dessication. Protect their shallow roots with a mulch of oak leaves or pine needles and their foliage with woven material such as burlap screens. This will help in preventing bark-split (when the sap running in the stem is frozen and burst the bark).

Discover These Helpful Guides for Further Reading

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

Guide Information

Hardiness 5 - 7
Heat Zones 3 - 6
Plant Type Shrubs
Genus Rhododendron
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early)
Fall
Winter
Height
Spread
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Landscaping Ideas Patio And Containers, Hedges And Screens, Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders, Small Gardens
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Traditional Garden
Compare All Rhododendron
Compare Now
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Rhododendron
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Mid-Atlantic
Guides with
Rhododendron
Guides with
Mid-Atlantic

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