Rhododendron canescens (Mountain Azalea)
Mountain Azalea, Wild Azalea, Honeysuckle Azalea, Piedmont Azalea, Sweet Azalea, Hoary Azalea, Southern Pinxterflower, Azalea candida, Azalea canescens, Azalea canescens var. subglabra, Rhododendron candidum, Rhododendron canescens var. candidum, Rhododendron canescens var. subglabrum
The most common native azalea in the Southeast, Rhododendron canescens (Mountain Azalea) is a large deciduous shrub boasting fragrant, funnel-shaped, pink (rarely white) flowers, up to 2 in. long (5 cm), with protruding pistil and stamens that extend elegantly beyond the petals. Held in small clusters of 5-9 flowers, they bloom profusely in early to late spring and exude a delicate fragrance. The blossoms usually appear before the foliage of elliptic, velvety, dull green leaves. A wonderful landscape plant for the moist to very dry acidic, woodland garden or mixed border, Mountain Azalea looks great planted in masses or used as a specimen.
- Grows up to 6-8 ft. tall (180-240 cm) and 6-12 ft. wide (180-360 cm). Give this azalea plenty of room, as it tends to form large colonies.
- A 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, shade gardens, water gardens, bog gardens, or pond areas.
- 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.
- Native to the eastern United States.
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Requirements
Hardiness | 5
– 9 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Azaleas - Rhododendrons, Rhododendron - Azalea |
Exposure | Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) |
Height | 6' – 8' (180cm – 240cm) |
Spread | 6' – 12' (180cm – 3.6m) |
Spacing | 72" – 144" (180cm – 360cm) |
Water Needs | Average, High |
Maintenance | Low, Average |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Moisture Retentive |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy |
Native Plants | United States, Northeast, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Southwest, Oklahoma, Texas |
Tolerance | Rabbit |
Attracts | Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |
Guides with Azaleas - Rhododendrons
Emily Goodwin, Marcum, Shutterstock
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 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Azaleas - Rhododendrons, Rhododendron - Azalea |
Exposure | Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) |
Height | 6' – 8' (180cm – 240cm) |
Spread | 6' – 12' (180cm – 3.6m) |
Spacing | 72" – 144" (180cm – 360cm) |
Water Needs | Average, High |
Maintenance | Low, Average |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Moisture Retentive |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy |
Native Plants | United States, Northeast, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Southwest, Oklahoma, Texas |
Tolerance | Rabbit |
Attracts | Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |
Guides with Azaleas - Rhododendrons