Rhododendron ‘My Mary’

Valued for its fragrant and luminous spring flowers, Rhododendron ‘My Mary’ is a compact, medium-sized deciduous Azalea hybrid that adds charm and beauty to the garden. In mid to late spring, abundant conical clusters of 25 funnel-shaped light yellow flowers with contrasting red-orange tubes and long elegant stamens appear at the branch tips. Rich with a strong, pleasing fragrance, they smother this early midseason Azalea in a brilliant floral display, brightening any shady landscape areas. The foliage of elliptic green leaves is thickly textured and insect-proof. Introduced by George Beasley of Georgia and named after his wife, Rhododendron ‘My Mary’ results from a cross between Nacoochee and Rhododendron austrinum. A very reliable performer, this Azalea is winter-hardy and makes a lovely accent shrub pleasing to the eye.

• Grows with a loosely upright habit, up to 4-6 ft. tall (120-180 cm) and 3-5 ft. wide (90-150 cm).
• Winner of the Rhododendron of the Year Award of the American Rhododendron Society for the Mid-Atlantic, North East, South Central, South West, and South East regions.
• A sun to part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in moist, acidic, humusy, well-drained soils. Tolerates a fair amount of sun in cool northern summers. 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. Perfect for small gardens and containers too!
• 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.