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, humusy, well-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 |
Guides with Azaleas - Rhododendrons
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