Alphabetical Plant Listing

Rhododendron atlanticum (Coastal Azalea)

Coastal Azalea, Dwarf Azalea, Azalea atlantica, Midseason Azalea


Native to the southeastern coastal plains of the United States, Rhododendron atlanticum, commonly known as Coastal Azalea or Dwarf Azalea, is a delightfully fragrant, semi-dwarf, deciduous Azalea. Blooming before the leaves emerge in mid to late spring, its funnel-shaped, white flowers, up to 1.5 in. wide (3-4 cm), with elegantly protruding stamens, are often softly blushed with pink on the outside. They bloom in clusters of 3 to 13 and contrast beautifully with the deciduous foliage of elliptic, blue-green leaves. Attractive and tough, this low, spreading shrub has been used in Azalea breeding programs to obtain sweet-smelling deciduous Azaleas. The powerful musky fragrance of this Azalea makes it a valuable addition alongside walking paths.

  • Grows vigorously up to 2-3 ft. tall (60-90 cm) and 4-5 ft. wide (120-150 cm). Spreading by underground stems, this Azalea may develop into large colonies in sandy soils. Its spreading habit may be more limited in heavier soils
  • Winner of the Rhododendron of the Year Award of the American Rhododendron Society for the North East, South East, and South West regions.
  • A sun to part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in moist, acidic, humusywell-drained soils. Tolerates full sun in cool moist sites. 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.

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Requirements

Hardiness 6 – 9
Heat Zones 4 – 9
Climate Zones 3A, 3B, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Azaleas - Rhododendrons, Rhododendron - Azalea
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid,Late)
Height 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm)
Spread 4' – 5' (120cm – 150cm)
Spacing 48" – 60" (120cm – 150cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy
Native Plants United States, Northeast, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Southeast, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia
Tolerance Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden

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Guides with Azaleas - Rhododendrons

Great Plant Combination Ideas with Rhododendron - Azalea

Guides with Rhododendron - Azalea


Photo courtesy Natural Landscape 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 6 – 9
Heat Zones 4 – 9
Climate Zones 3A, 3B, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Azaleas - Rhododendrons, Rhododendron - Azalea
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid,Late)
Height 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm)
Spread 4' – 5' (120cm – 150cm)
Spacing 48" – 60" (120cm – 150cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy
Native Plants United States, Northeast, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Southeast, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia
Tolerance Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden

Guides with Azaleas - Rhododendrons

Great Plant Combination Ideas with Rhododendron - Azalea

Guides with Rhododendron - Azalea

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