Florida pinxter (Rhododendron canescens) roe-doe-DEN-dron kan-ESS-senz Genus:  Rhododendron This narrow deciduous azalea bears fragrant, funnel-shaped, white, pink, or deep rose flowers. It grows to 15 feet tall and 5 to 6 feet wide. Mid-green leaves are densely hairy beneath. Noteworthy Characteristics:  Native to Texas, Tennessee, and from North Carolina to north Florida. Care:  Grow in moist, fertile, humus-rich acidic soil (pH 4.5-5.5) in dappled shade. Plant shallow, as plants are surface rooted and like a mulch covering. Propagation:  Root semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or autumn. Layer in autumn. Problems:  Vine weevil, whitefly, leafhoppers, lacebugs, scale, caterpillars, aphids. Powdery mildew, rust, bud blast, leaf gall, petal blight, root rot, and chlorosis (due to insufficient soil acid).

Overview

Height 15 ft. to 30 ft. Spread 3 ft. to 6 ft. Light Full Sun to Part Shade Moisture Medium Moisture Characteristics Fragrant Flowers, Native, Showy Flowers Bloom Time Spring Flower Color Pink, White Style Woodland Garden Seasonal Interest Spring Interest Type Shrubs