Rhododendron viscosum (Swamp Azalea)
Swamp Azalea, Swamp Honeysuckle, White Swamp Honeysuckle, Clammy Azalea, Cory Azalea, Hammock Sweet Azalea, Deciduous Azalea, Very Late Season Rhododendron
Prized for its strongly-scented flowers and beautiful fall foliage, Rhododendron viscosum, commonly known as Swamp Azalea, is a very appealing native to the swamps of the eastern United States, from Maine to Alabama, and westward to Texas. This bushy, medium-sized, deciduous shrub bears funnel-shaped, white flowers, often tinged pink, with long slender tubes. Held in small clusters of 3-12 flowers, they bloom profusely after the leaves emerge, in early summer and exude a strong clove-like perfume. The foliage of lustrous, elliptic, dark green leaves turns brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and purple in fall, for a great colorful show. Exceptionally cold-hardy, this late-season Azalea can withstand temperatures as low as to -20°F (-29°C). A wonderful landscape plant that deserves a place near a patio, deck, or living area, where its delightful fragrance can be enjoyed.
- Swamp Azalea grows with a loose, upright, spreading habit, up to 5-8 ft. tall (150-240 cm) and 7-10 ft. wide (210-300 cm). Will slowly naturalize by root suckers
- Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
- A sun to part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in moist, acidic, humusy, well-drained soils. This Azalea species is tolerant of wet soils, including those with poor drainage. While periodic flooding is tolerated, it cannot remain permanently underwater. Prefers a sun-dappled shade or high open part shade. Foliage may scorch in full sun unless soils are kept uniformly moist. 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 and shade gardens. Excellent cut flower 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.
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 beautyRead More
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Requirements
Hardiness | 3
– 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 9 |
Climate Zones | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Azaleas - Rhododendrons, Rhododendron - Azalea |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Early) Fall |
Height | 5' – 8' (150cm – 240cm) |
Spread | 7' – 10' (210cm – 3m) |
Spacing | 84" – 120" (210cm – 300cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy |
Native Plants | United States, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Southwest, Oklahoma, Texas |
Tolerance | Rabbit, Wet Soil |
Attracts | Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |
Guides with Azaleas - Rhododendrons
Photo courtesy of Natural Landscapes Nursery
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 | 3
– 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 9 |
Climate Zones | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Azaleas - Rhododendrons, Rhododendron - Azalea |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Early) Fall |
Height | 5' – 8' (150cm – 240cm) |
Spread | 7' – 10' (210cm – 3m) |
Spacing | 84" – 120" (210cm – 300cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy |
Native Plants | United States, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Southwest, Oklahoma, Texas |
Tolerance | Rabbit, Wet Soil |
Attracts | Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |
Guides with Azaleas - Rhododendrons