Rhododendron periclymenoides (Pinxterbloom Azalea)

Prized for its delicate floral display, Rhododendron periclymenoides (Pinxterbloom Azalea) is a dense, bushy, deciduous shrub with picturesque, horizontal branches. In early to late spring, profuse funnel-shaped, pink or white flowers, 1.5 in. wide (4 cm), with elegantly protruding stamens, appear in large clusters of 6-12 blossoms, before the leaves emerge. Slightly fragrant, they attract butterflies and hummingbirds. The foliage of elliptic, smooth, dark green leaves turns dull yellow in fall. Native to the eastern United States, Pinxterbloom Azalea can be found in moist woods or swamp margins from Massachusetts to North Carolina and Ohio. It is a fine choice for shrub borders, rain gardens, and for massing and naturalizing.

• Grows up to 3-6 ft. tall (90-180 cm) and 4-7 ft. wide (120-210 cm).
• A part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in moist, acidic, humusy, well-drained soils. Tolerant of the sun in cool summer climates. Tolerates dry, sandy, or rocky 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, as a flowering hedge or privacy screen, foundation plantings, and shade gardens.
• Pinxterbloom Azalea has better resistance to pests and diseases than many of the hybrid azaleas commercially available. Keep an eye out for canker, crown rot, root rot, leaf spot, rust, powdery mildew, aphids, borers, lacebugs, leafhoppers, mealybugs, mites, nematodes, scale, thrips and whiteflies. 
• Remove spent flower clusters immediately after flowering.
• All parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
• Native to the eastern United States.