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Rhododendron vaseyi (Pink-Shell Azalea)

Pink-shell Azalea

AGM Award
Rhododendron Vaseyi, Pink-Shell Azalea, pink flowers, pink rhododendron, pink flowering shrub
Rhododendron Vaseyi, Pink-Shell Azalea, pink flowers, pink rhododendron, pink flowering shrub

One of the first and most beautiful spring-flowering native azaleas to bloom, Rhododendron vaseyi (Pink-Shell Azalea) is a deciduous, irregularly rounded shrub that features trusses of 4 to 8 delicate pink to white, flat-faced flowers on leafless stems, with some prominent spotting in their throat. Blooming in mid-spring, the blossoms appear before the foliage of shiny, dark green leaves emerge. In fall, its foliage turns from bright green to glowing orange and red, igniting the garden with color. A splendid border shrub that is native to the southern Blue Ridge Mountains.

  • Grows up to 10-15 ft. tall (300-450 cm) and 8-10 ft. wide (240-300 cm)
  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society, multiple winner of the Rhododendron of the Year Award of the American Rhododendron Society for the Great Lakes, North East, and South East Regions
  • A light shade lover, this plant is best grown in moist, acidic, humusywell-drained soils. Plant shallowly. Protect from frost to prevent damage to flowers. Mulch annually with leaf mold to retain moisture, control weeds, and cool the soil.
  • Perfect for beds and borderscottage gardens, banks, and slopes. Great as a flowering hedge or privacy screen too.
  • Attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and birds. Rabbit resistant.
  • Removing spent flowers promotes new growth
  • Loves to be sheared often.
  • All parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.

Rhododendron and Azalea: How To Grow And Care with Success


Want to learn how to grow and care for rhododendron and azalea flowers like a pro? Follow these simple steps and enjoy their beauty

Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 7
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Ericaceae
Genus Rhododendron
Common names Azalea, Rhododendron
Exposure Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid)
Fall
Height 10' - 15'
(3m - 4.6m)
Spread 8' - 10'
(240cm - 3m)
Spacing 96" - 120"
(240cm - 3m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy
Native Plants United States, Massachusetts, Northeast, Southeast, North Carolina
Tolerance Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden
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Do I Need?
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Rhododendron Autumn Royalty
Rhododendron macrophyllum (Pacific Rhododendron)
Rhododendron alabamense (Alabama Azalea)
Rhododendron periclymenoides (Pinxterbloom Azalea)
Rhododendron catawbiense (Catawba Rosebay)
Rhododendron maximum (Great Laurel)

Recommended Companion Plants

Kalmia latifolia (Mountain Laurel)
Enkianthus campanulatus (Redvein Enkianthus)
Matteuccia struthiopteris (Ostrich Fern)
Aquilegia vulgaris var. stellata ‘Blue Barlow’ (Columbine)
Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’ (Smooth Hydrangea)
Dicentra spectabilis (Bleeding Heart)

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Beautiful Azaleas and Rhododendrons for Northern California
Beautiful Azaleas and Rhododendrons for the Midwest
Beautiful Azaleas and Rhododendrons for the Pacific Northwest Region
Beautiful Azaleas and Rhododendrons for New England
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Azaleas and Rhododendrons for Small Gardens
Extend the Blooming Season of your Azaleas and Rhododendrons
Azaleas and Rhododendrons with Attractive Fall Colors
Fragrant Azaleas and Rhododendrons
Hardiest Azaleas and Rhododendrons
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Best Companion Plants for Azaleas and Rhododendrons
Azaleas and Rhododendrons: What is the Difference?
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.
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Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 7
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Ericaceae
Genus Rhododendron
Common names Azalea, Rhododendron
Exposure Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid)
Fall
Height 10' - 15'
(3m - 4.6m)
Spread 8' - 10'
(240cm - 3m)
Spacing 96" - 120"
(240cm - 3m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy
Native Plants United States, Massachusetts, Northeast, Southeast, North Carolina
Tolerance Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Rhododendron
Guides with
Rhododendron
Not sure which Rhododendron to pick?
Compare Now

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