Swamp azalea (Rhododendron viscosum and cvs.) roe-doe-DEN-dron viss-KOE-sum Synonyms:  R. serrulatum Genus:  Rhododendron

This deciduous azalea has dark green leaves and funnel-shaped white flowers suffused with pink. The flowers have a spicy, sweet fragrance. This plant blooms very late in the season, and sporadically throughout the summer. Cultivars include 'Delaware Blue’, ‘Pink and Sweet’, 'Lemon Drop’, 'Parade’, and ‘Lollipop’.

Noteworthy Characteristics: 

Found at the edge of wetlands in eastern North America.

Care: 

Grow in moist, fertile, humus-rich acidic soil (pH 4.5 to 5.5). Thrives in damp soil in full sun. 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 6 ft. to 10 ft. Spread 6 ft. to 10 ft. Light Full Shade Only Moisture Medium Moisture Characteristics Attracts Bees, Fragrant Flowers, Native, Showy Flowers Bloom Time Spring Flower Color Pink, White Style Woodland Garden Seasonal Interest Spring Interest Type Shrubs