SCIENTIFIC NAME: Rhododendron arborescens

COMMON NAME: Sweet Azalea

GARDEN SIZE: 8-20 feet tall x 8-20 feet wide

GROWTH RATE: Moderate

USDA ZONE: 4 to 7

EXPOSURE: Part shade. May tolerate being in more sun if given more water (but still avoid leaving them with wet feet).

WATER & SOIL: Medium, consistent water. Avoid wet feet; prefers light, acidic, sandy, well-drained soils

HABIT (FORM): Upright, loosely-branched shrub, occasionally tree-like

FOLIAGE: Deciduous; dark green leaves with whitened undersides; fall color turns red to purple

FLOWERS: White (occasionally pale pink) with dark pink to red stamens; fragrant; bloom in clusters from May to July

PLANT ORIGIN: Eastern United States; Appalachian Mountains along streams, moist woodland slopes, shrubby balds, bogs, and swampy 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