Rhododendron canescens

Common Names

Piedmont Azalea, Mountain Azalea, Hoary Azalea, Pink Azalea, Wild Azalea, Honeysuckle Azalea, Southern Pinxterflower, Azalea Canescens

Summary

Rhododendron canescens, commonly Piedmont azalea or Mountain azalea, is a large deciduous shrub native to the eastern United States, especially the Southeast; it grows about 6 to 8 ft tall and 6 to 12 ft wide, with smooth to lightly furrowed stems and ovate to obovate leaves with gray-pubescent undersides; in spring it bears 6 to 19-flowered inflorescences of pink to pink-white funnel-shaped flowers with a pink tube, and the flowers are fragrant with a musky scent; blossoms appear before or with the leaves; the plant can form large colonies via root suckers and is found in moist to dry woods, swamps, savannas, often along streams at elevations 0 to 500 m. In cultivation, it prefers acidic, well-drained soil rich in organic matter (pH 4.5 to 5.5, never above 6.0) with ample moisture and protection from strong afternoon sun, thriving in sun-dappled shade. Plant in a hole twice the root ball size with the top slightly above surrounding soil, mulch to conserve moisture, and water regularly in summer; fertilize sparingly after flowering and prune after flowering. It is hardy to USDA zones 5 to 9 and suitable for woodland or shaded borders, hedges, or naturalized plantings, and attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Propagation is moderately easy from seed and difficult from cuttings, with slow naturalization by root suckers; all parts are poisonous if ingested.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

6-15 feet

Spread

6-12 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 5-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial shade; can grow in partial sun to partial shade and in full sun if protected from afternoon sun.

Soil Type

Acidic, well-drained, moist soil rich in organic matter, pH roughly 4.5–6.0

Soil Drainage

Moist but well-drained soil, preferably loamy and rich in organic matter, acidic (pH 4.5–6), kept consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Soil pH

4.5-5.5

Bloom Color

White to pink (including deep pink and magenta)

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Yellow, Orange, Red, Burgundy

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Slow

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Layering, Cuttings

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, other pollinators, and birds