Rhododendron vaseyi (Pink-Shell Azalea)

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, humusy, well-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 borders, cottage 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.