Fragrant Azaleas and Rhododendrons

Deciduous Azaleas, Evergreen Azaleas, Lepidote Rhododendrons, Elepidote Rhododendrons

Fragrant Azaleas, Fragrant Rhododendrons, Fragrant Deciduous Azaleas, Fragrant Evergreen Azaleas, Fragrant Hardy Rhododendron

Azaleas and Rhododendrons, with their voluptuous flowers, are one of the best-loved sights of spring. But did you know that they are not just meant to be seen? Were you aware they can also fill the air with delightful scents, running from spicy to sweet to intoxicating?

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. These highly popular ornamental shrubs 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 ‘trusses’ of tall growing hybrids and species. Some feature wonderful foliage adding glorious fall color to the landscape. Others are deliciously fragrant. All are fascinating.

There are many fragrant Rhododendron species and hybrids to pick from, some so perfumed that they will stop you as you walk past with their heady scent hanging in the air. The following is a list of fragrant Azaleas and Rhododendrons with staggering blossoms and reliable performances. Most of them have been recognized as proven performers and have received the Rhododendron of the Year Award of the American Rhododendron Society and/or the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society. Some are tender and should be grown as patio plants or plants for the conservatory in cool winter areas. Others are incredibly hardy and can withstand temperatures are low as -25°F (-32°C).

Be aware that fragrance fluctuates with temperature (on a warm day, you will smell more perfume in the air), weather (strongest during damp mild weather), and time of day (most noticeable in the early morning or evening). Each of us has our own peculiarly individual perception of smell too!

Guide Information

Hardiness	4 - 11
Plant Type	Shrubs
Genus	Rhododendron
Exposure	Partial Sun
Season of Interest	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early)
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	Wall-Side Borders, Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers, Hedges And Screens, Banks And Slopes
Garden Styles	City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Traditional Garden

Fragrant Azaleas and Rhododendrons

Rhododendron ‘April Rose’

Rhododendron ‘April Rose’ is an early blooming, cold-hardy shrub. It features double, purplish-red flowers with wide funnel-shaped petals, up to 2 inches wide (5 cm), blooming in early to mid-spring. The evergreen foliage consists of deep green, elliptic leaves that turn reddish-bronze in fall. Withstanding temperatures as low as -25ºF (-31ºC), it’s a reliable and attractive accent shrub.

Hardiness	4 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid), Fall
Height	3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)
Spread	3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)

Rhododendron ‘Daviesii’

Rhododendron ‘Daviesii’ is a compact, deciduous azalea with fragrant, creamy-white flowers and a yellow flare. Blooming in late spring to early summer, the elegant funnel-shaped blossoms contrast beautifully with bluish-green leaves. It belongs to the Ghent Hybrid Azaleas, derived from Rhododendron luteum and American species, and creates a splendid display in shrub borders.

Hardiness	5 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early)
Height	4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)
Spread	4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)

Rhododendron ‘Dora Amateis’

Rhododendron ‘Dora Amateis’ is a remarkable small evergreen shrub celebrated for its abundant pure white trumpet-shaped flowers. Blooming in early to mid-spring, the flowers have delicate pink and green speckles, emitting a spicy perfume. This tough and attractive Rhododendron is one of the finest white dwarf hybrids, providing a memorable scented display.

Hardiness	5 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid)
Height	3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)
Spread	3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)

Rhododendron ‘Else Frye’

Rhododendron ‘Else Frye’ is a medium-sized evergreen shrub prized for its captivating lily-like scent with nutmeg undertones. Blooming heavily in mid-spring, it showcases large, frilly white trumpet-shaped flowers, up to 4 inches wide (10 cm), delicately blushed with rose pink on the outside and featuring a gold throat. The stunning flowers contrast beautifully with the dark green, hairy, elliptic foliage, while the intense fragrance makes it a valuable addition near patios and living areas, enchanting those who pass by.

Hardiness	8 - 11
Exposure	Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid)
Height	3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)
Spread	3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)

Rhododendron ‘Fragrant Star’

Rhododendron ‘Fragrant Star’ is a highly regarded deciduous Azalea, known for its remarkable fragrance. Blooming in mid-spring, it presents masses of strongly scented, funnel-shaped pure white flowers, reaching up to 1.5 inches wide (3-4 cm). The blue-green foliage adds to its attractiveness. This Azalea is heat tolerant and exhibits exceptional cold hardiness, enduring temperatures as low as -20°F (-29°C).

Hardiness	5 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid)
Height	3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)
Spread	3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)

Rhododendron ‘Fragrantissimum’

Rhododendron ‘Fragrantissimum’ is a medium-sized evergreen shrub esteemed for its remarkable fragrance. Blooming heavily in mid-spring, it presents large, frilly white trumpet-shaped flowers, up to 2.5 inches wide (6 cm), with a yellow throat and delicate pink blush. The flowers, held in small trusses, provide a stunning display against the dark green foliage.

Hardiness	8 - 11
Exposure	Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid)
Height	3' - 5' (90cm - 150cm)
Spread	3' - 5' (90cm - 150cm)

Rhododendron ‘Loderi King George’

Rhododendron ‘Loderi King George’ is a highly prized large evergreen shrub renowned for its powerful fragrance and beautiful blooms. The huge, strongly scented, lily-like flowers open from bright pink buds, revealing pure white petals with a soft pink flush on the outside and faint green markings in the throat. Blooming abundantly in mid to late spring, they contrast beautifully with the large, smooth, pale green leaves and burgundy-colored stems

Hardiness	7 - 9
Exposure	Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late)
Height	4' - 8' (120cm - 240cm)
Spread	6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm)

Rhododendron ‘My Mary’

Rhododendron ‘My Mary’ is a compact, medium-sized deciduous Azalea known for its fragrant and luminous spring flowers. It produces abundant clusters of 25 funnel-shaped light yellow blooms with contrasting red-orange tubes and elegant stamens. The strong fragrance fills the air, creating a brilliant floral display. This reliable and winter-hardy Azalea adds charm and beauty as a lovely accent shrub in shaded areas.

Hardiness	5 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late)
Height	4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)
Spread	3' - 5' (90cm - 150cm)

Rhododendron ‘Narcissiflorum’

Noted for its sweetly scented double flowers in spring, RRhododendron ‘Narcissiflorum’ is a compact medium-sized deciduous Azalea prized for its sweetly scented double flowers in spring. Blooming from late spring to early summer, the small balled clusters hold 10 pale yellow hose-in-hose blooms with darker throats and shading on the outside. The mid-green deciduous foliage turns bronze-purple in fall. Resistant to mildew, this popular Ghent Azalea is cold hardy up to -15°F (-26°C) and tolerates warmth well.

Hardiness	5 - 8
Exposure	Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early), Fall
Height	4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)
Spread	4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)

Rhododendron ‘Weston’s Innocence’

Rhododendron ‘Weston’s Innocence’ is a vigorous medium-sized deciduous Azalea known for its scented flowers and lovely fall foliage. Blooming abundantly in late spring to early summer, it showcases showy dome-shaped clusters of 8 frilly, trumpet-shaped flowers with a pale yellow dorsal flare and a strong fragrance. The oval, glossy, mid-green leaves are resistant to mildew and take on a bronze hue when new, turning attractive shades of burgundy-red in the fall. This exceptional cold-hardy hybrid can withstand temperatures as low as -25°F (-32°C).

Hardiness	4 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early), Fall
Height	6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm)
Spread	6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm)

Rhododendron ‘Wheatley’

Rhododendron ‘Wheatley’ is a highly popular rhododendron renowned for its exquisite fragrance. Blooming abundantly in mid-spring, this evergreen shrub displays impressive rounded trusses of up to 16 pale purplish-pink frilled flowers. Each large bloom, up to 3 inches wide (7 cm), emerges from hot pink buds with darker edges and lime green rays in the throat. With its attractive elliptic light green leaves, ‘Wheatley’ remains a standout choice since its introduction in 1958.

Hardiness	5 - 8
Exposure	Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid)
Height	6' - 10' (180cm - 3m)
Spread	6' - 10' (180cm - 3m)

Rhododendron arborescens (Sweet Azalea)

Rhododendron arborescens, commonly known as Sweet Azalea or Smooth Azalea, is a captivating native plant of eastern North America. Noted for its strongly-scented flowers and attractive fall foliage, this large deciduous shrub produces white funnel-shaped flowers, up to 2 inches wide (5 cm), often with a pink hue and protruding red stamens. Blooming profusely in early to midsummer, they emit a delightful heliotrope perfume. The elliptic glossy green leaves turn deep red to purple in fall, adding to its allure.

Hardiness	5 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Summer (Early, Mid), Fall
Height	5' - 6' (150cm - 180cm)
Spread	5' - 6' (150cm - 180cm)

Rhododendron atlanticum (Coastal Azalea)

Rhododendron atlanticum, commonly known as Coastal Azalea or Dwarf Azalea, is a fragrant, semi-dwarf, deciduous Azalea native to the southeastern coastal plains of the United States. Blooming in mid to late spring, its white funnel-shaped flowers, up to 1.5 inches wide (3-4 cm), often blush softly with pink. The flowers form clusters of 3 to 13 and contrast beautifully with the elliptic blue-green leaves. This low, spreading shrub is valued in Azalea breeding programs for its sweet fragrance and is a wonderful addition to walking paths.

Hardiness	6 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late)
Height	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread	4' - 5' (120cm - 150cm)

Rhododendron decorum (Great White Rhododendron)

Rhododendron decorum, known as the Great White Rhododendron, is a fragrant evergreen shrub or small tree native to China, Myanmar, and Laos. It features attractive spring flowers, decorative bark, and dark green leaves. Blooming heavily in mid to late spring, it bears large, scented, funnel-shaped white or pink-tinged flowers with a yellowish-green blotch. This easy-to-grow species is vigorous, hardy, and tolerant of sun, warmth, and dry conditions.

Hardiness	7 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late)
Height	4' - 15' (120cm - 4.6m)
Spread	3' - 10' (90cm - 3m)

Rhododendron luteum (Pontic Azalea)

Rhododendron luteum is a prized medium-sized deciduous Azalea adored for its sweet fragrance and vibrant spring colors. Its large floral trusses display 7 to 17 bright golden-yellow, funnel-shaped flowers with a darker yellow blotch. The delightful scent fills the air from late spring to early summer, making it a valuable addition near patios and homes. The leaves turn stunning shades of orange, yellow, and red in the fall, adding to its allure.

Hardiness	6 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early), Fall
Height	4' - 5' (120cm - 150cm)
Spread	4' - 5' (120cm - 150cm)

Rhododendron occidentale (Western Azalea)

Rhododendron occidentale, known as Western Azalea, is a stunning plant that captivates with its large, fragrant white flowers. The floral trusses display 5 to 25 flaring trumpet-shaped blooms, sparkling in white with occasional pink tinges and a bright yellow to orange spot. The sweet and spicy clove scent fills the air in late spring to early summer. The glossy deciduous foliage adds to its charm, turning vibrant shades of orange and yellow in the fall.

Hardiness	7 - 9
Exposure	Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early), Fall, Winter
Height	6' - 15' (180cm - 4.6m)
Spread	6' - 15' (180cm - 4.6m)

Rhododendron prinophyllum (Roseshell Azalea)

Rhododendron prinophyllum, also known as Roseshell Azalea, is a prized and vigorous deciduous Azalea. It delights with its fragrant flowers and captivating display. In mid to late spring, abundant rose pink funnel-shaped blossoms, 1-2 inches wide (2-5 cm), adorned with protruding stamens, form large clusters of 4-12 flowers before or during leaf emergence. The elliptic, smooth, blue-green deciduous leaves turn attractive shades of purple in the fall. With a rich cinnamon to clove fragrance, this Azalea is exceptionally cold-hardy and exhibits tolerance to high pH.

Hardiness	4 - 8
Exposure	Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Fall
Height	3' - 8' (90cm - 240cm)
Spread	3' - 8' (90cm - 240cm)

Rhododendron schlippenbachii (Royal Azalea)

Rhododendron schlippenbachii, or Royal Azalea, is a captivating deciduous Azalea that offers year-round interest. In mid to late spring, abundant clusters of saucer-shaped pink flowers adorn the branches, emitting a delicate fragrance. The pale green leaves, flushed with pinkish bronze, form attractive whorls. In autumn, the foliage turns a breathtaking display of brilliant red, orange, and yellow. Even in winter, the well-balanced branching structure remains appealing.

Hardiness	4 - 8
Exposure	Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Fall
Height	4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)
Spread	3' - 5' (90cm - 150cm)

Rhododendron viscosum (Swamp Azalea)

Rhododendron viscosum, or Swamp Azalea, is a prized native shrub known for its fragrant flowers and stunning fall foliage. This deciduous shrub produces white flowers, often tinged with pink, in small clusters after the leaves emerge. The flowers emit a strong clove-like perfume. The lustrous dark green leaves turn vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and purple in the fall. Exceptionally cold-hardy, this Azalea can withstand temperatures as low as -20°F (-29°C). It makes a wonderful addition to any landscape, especially near patios or living areas, where its delightful fragrance can be enjoyed.

Hardiness	3 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Summer (Early), Fall
Height	5' - 8' (150cm - 240cm)
Spread	7' - 10' (210cm - 3m)

Growing Azalea and Rhododendron

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 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 as frost pockets.

When placing plants, always choose locations that mitigate extreme temperature changes, especially in spring and fall, and protect 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 desiccation. 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 prevent bark-split (when the sap running in the stem is frozen and bursts 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.