Rhododendron arborescens (Sweet Azalea)
Sweet Azalea, Smooth Azalea, Azalea arborescens, Rhododendron 'Arborescens', Deciduous Azalea, Late Season Rhododendron, Very Late Season Rhododendron
Noted for its strongly-scented flowers and attractive fall foliage, Rhododendron arborescens, commonly known as Sweet Azalea or Smooth Azalea, is a very appealing native to eastern North America. This large, deciduous shrub bears funnel-shaped, white flowers, up to 2 in. wide (5 cm), often tinged pink, with protruding red stamens that extend elegantly beyond the petals. Held in small clusters of 3-7 flowers, they bloom profusely in early to midsummer and exude a strong perfume of heliotrope. The foliage of elliptic, glossy green leaves turns deep red to purple in fall, for a memorable display. Cold hardy, this late season Azalea can withstand temperatures as low as -15°F ( -26°C). A wonderful landscape plant, Sweet Azalea is prized for its late, showy white flowers with their red stamens and stigma and their marvelous fragrance.
- Maybe the tallest and fastest growing of the US native Azaleas, Sweet Azalea grows up to 5-6 ft. tall and wide (150-180 cm).
- Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
- Sun to part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in moist, acidic, humusy, well-drained soils. 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 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
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Requirements
Hardiness | 5
– 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 4
– 9 |
Climate Zones | 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Azaleas - Rhododendrons, Rhododendron - Azalea |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Early,Mid) Fall |
Height | 5' – 6' (150cm – 180cm) |
Spread | 5' – 6' (150cm – 180cm) |
Spacing | 60" – 72" (150cm – 180cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy |
Tolerance | Rabbit |
Attracts | Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |
Guides with Azaleas - Rhododendrons
Photo courtesy of Natural Landscapes Nursery
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.
Requirements
Hardiness | 5
– 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 4
– 9 |
Climate Zones | 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Azaleas - Rhododendrons, Rhododendron - Azalea |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Early,Mid) Fall |
Height | 5' – 6' (150cm – 180cm) |
Spread | 5' – 6' (150cm – 180cm) |
Spacing | 60" – 72" (150cm – 180cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy |
Tolerance | Rabbit |
Attracts | Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |
Guides with Azaleas - Rhododendrons