SCIENTIFIC NAME: Rhododendron periclymenoides

COMMON NAME: Pinxterbloom Azalea, Pinxter Flower, Wild Azalea

GARDEN SIZE: 2-10 feet tall x 4-5 feet wide

GROWTH RATE: Slow

USDA ZONE: 5 to 9

EXPOSURE: Partial shade to full sun (2-6 hours of sunlight, with protection from afternoon sun). May tolerate being in more sun if given more water (but still avoid leaving them with wet feet).

WATER & SOIL: Moist, well-drained acidic soils

HABIT (FORM): Dense, bushy, multi-stemmed, spreading shrub

FOLIAGE: Deciduous; oblong to elliptic green leaves; fall color is dull yellow to gold

FLOWERS: Soft pink to lavender to white; funnel-shaped; fragrant clusters of flowers (1-3 inches, with 5 curved stamens); blooms April-May before foliage emerges

PLANT ORIGIN: Southeastern United States (Massachusetts to South Carolina and Tennessee); found in moist woods, swamp margins, and open areas

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: Host plant for local butterflies and moths, and food source for pollinators, birds, and small mammals. Supplies shelter and nesting sites.

FERTILIZING: Apply a fertilizer for acid-loving plants in the early spring.

PRUNING: Remove spent flower clusters immediately after the blooms finish. Pruning is not usually needed or recommended, but may be done right after blooming is finished in late spring or early summer.

TOXICITY FLAGS: Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.

USES: Hedge, Foundation planting, Specimen