mountain azalea
Rhododendron canescens
USDA zones5 to 9
SunHandles full sun to partial shade
WaterHandles dry to wet soil
Size6 to 15 feet tall6 to 12 feet wide
- Bloom season
- Spring
- Bloom color
- Pink (infrequently white)
- Foliage color
- Dark green upper surface.
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
- Soil pH
- Acidic (pH<6.8)
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Mountain azalea (Rhododendron canescens) is a shrub for borders, specimen planting, and shade gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes full sun to part shade and dry to wet, sandy or loamy soil. It is not a favorite of rabbits, though hungry rabbits will eat almost anything. Slightly fragrant pink flowers open in early to late spring, before the leaves mature. It tends to form large colonies, so give it plenty of room.
Pairs well with Autumn fern, Black gum, and Sedge.
Native range
Southeastern United States.