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Rhododendron occidentale (Western Azalea)

Western Azalea, Azalea occidentalis, Honeysuckle Azalea, Pacific Azalea, Late Midseason Azalea, Late Season Azalea

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Rhododendron Occidentale, Western Azalea, Honeysuckle Azalea, Pacific Azalea, Azalea occidentalis, Fragrant Azalea, Fragrant Rhododendron, Late Midseason Azalea, Late Season Azalea, Pink Azalea, Pink Rhododendron, Pink Flowering Shrub
Rhododendron Occidentale, Western Azalea, Honeysuckle Azalea, Pacific Azalea, Azalea occidentalis, Fragrant Azalea, Fragrant Rhododendron, Late Midseason Azalea, Late Season Azalea, Pink Azalea, Pink Rhododendron, Pink Flowering Shrub
Rhododendron Occidentale, Western Azalea, Honeysuckle Azalea, Pacific Azalea, Azalea occidentalis, Fragrant Azalea, Fragrant Rhododendron, Late Midseason Azalea, Late Season Azalea, Pink Azalea, Pink Rhododendron, Pink Flowering Shrub
Rhododendron Occidentale, Western Azalea, Honeysuckle Azalea, Pacific Azalea, Azalea occidentalis, Fragrant Azalea, Fragrant Rhododendron, Late Midseason Azalea, Late Season Azalea, Pink Azalea, Pink Rhododendron, Pink Flowering Shrub

Regarded as the largest flowered, scented, white azalea species, Rhododendron occidentale, commonly known as Western Azalea, is a plant of great beauty and captivating fragrance that appeals to virtually everyone who comes upon it. The large floral trusses are visually compelling with their 5 to 25 flaring, trumpet-shaped, sparkling white flowers, sometimes tinged with pink and marked with a bright yellow to orange spot. In late spring to early summer, the air around the flowers can be delightfully scented with a sweet and spicy clove scent reminiscent of cottage pinks and carnations. Equally attractive, the deciduous foliage of glossy, bright green leaves turns eye-catching shades of orange and yellow in fall and midwinter for a stunning display. This large, spreading, and deciduous shrub is native to the western USA (California to S Washington) and parent of many cultivars and hybrids, including many famous Knap Hill Azaleas.

  • Grows up to 6-15 ft. tall and wide (180-450 cm)
  • Winner of the Rhododendron of the Year Award of the American Rhododendron Society for the North West and South West regions.
  • A part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in moist, acidic, humusywell-drained soils. Tolerates full sun in cool, moist sites but does poorly in hot, humid conditions. Plant shallowly in a location protected from strong winter winds. Protect from frost to prevent damage to flowers. Mulch annually with leaf mold to retain moisture, control weeds, and cool the soil.
  • Perfect for shrub borders or mixed borders, as a flowering hedge or privacy screen, foundation plantings, and shade gardens.
  • Attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and birds.
  • Removing spent flowers promotes new growth.
  • All parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.

Rhododendron and Azalea: How To Grow And Care with Success


Want to learn how to grow and care for rhododendron and azalea flowers like a pro? Follow these simple steps and enjoy their beauty

Requirements

Hardiness 7 - 9
Heat Zones 1 - 7
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Ericaceae
Genus Rhododendron
Common names Rhododendron, Azalea
Exposure Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early)
Fall
Winter
Height 6' - 15'
(180cm - 4.6m)
Spread 6' - 15'
(180cm - 4.6m)
Spacing 72" - 144"
(180cm - 3.7m)
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
Native Plants California, Oregon, Pacific Northwest, United States
Tolerance Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Rhododendron Autumn Royalty
Rhododendron macrophyllum (Pacific Rhododendron)
Rhododendron alabamense (Alabama Azalea)
Rhododendron periclymenoides (Pinxterbloom Azalea)
Rhododendron catawbiense (Catawba Rosebay)
Rhododendron maximum (Great Laurel)

Recommended Companion Plants

Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’ (Siberian Bugloss)
Anemone nemorosa (Wood Anemone)
Hosta (Plantain Lily)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

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Beautiful Azaleas and Rhododendrons for Northern California
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Beautiful Azaleas and Rhododendrons for the Pacific Northwest Region
Beautiful Azaleas and Rhododendrons for New England
Beautiful Azaleas and Rhododendrons for the Mid-Atlantic Region
Azaleas and Rhododendrons for Small Gardens
Extend the Blooming Season of your Azaleas and Rhododendrons
Azaleas and Rhododendrons with Attractive Fall Colors
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Hardiest Azaleas and Rhododendrons
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Best Companion Plants for Azaleas and Rhododendrons
Azaleas and Rhododendrons: What is the Difference?
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.
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Requirements

Hardiness 7 - 9
Heat Zones 1 - 7
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Ericaceae
Genus Rhododendron
Common names Rhododendron, Azalea
Exposure Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early)
Fall
Winter
Height 6' - 15'
(180cm - 4.6m)
Spread 6' - 15'
(180cm - 4.6m)
Spacing 72" - 144"
(180cm - 3.7m)
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
Native Plants California, Oregon, Pacific Northwest, United States
Tolerance Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Rhododendron
Guides with
Rhododendron
Not sure which Rhododendron to pick?
Compare Now

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