Pinkshell azalea (Rhododendron vaseyi) roe-doe-DEN-dron VAY-see-eye Genus:  Rhododendron This deciduous azalea bears trusses of 4 to 8 broadly funnel-shaped, unscented clear pink flowers in early mid-season. Blooms appear before the leaves emerge. Shiny, dark green leaves are paler green beneath. Noteworthy Characteristics:  Native to a few areas above 3,000 feet in the southern Blue Ridge Mountains. Attracts butterflies. Care:  Grow in moist, fertile, humus-rich acidic soil (pH 4.5 to 5.5) in full shade in the South, part to full sun in the North. 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 10 ft. to 15 ft. Spread 10 ft. to 15 ft. Light Full Sun to Part Shade Moisture Medium Moisture Characteristics Attracts Butterflies, Native, Showy Flowers Bloom Time Spring Flower Color Pink, White Style Woodland Garden Seasonal Interest Spring Interest Type Shrubs