Rhododendron viscosum: Swamp Azalea

Swamp Azalea – Fragrant Late-Blooming Native

Rhododendron viscosum (syn. R. serrulatum) has dark green leaves and funnel-shaped white flowers suffused with pink, with spicy sweet fragrance. Blooms very late in season, sporadically through summer. Cultivars include 'Delaware Blue', 'Pink and Sweet', 'Lemon Drop', 'Parade', 'Lollipop'. Found at wetland edges in eastern North America.

Culture

Moist, fertile, humus-rich acidic soil (pH 4.5–5.5). Thrives in damp soil in full sun. Plant shallow, mulch. Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings late summer/autumn or layer in autumn. Many potential pests and diseases.

Features

• Fragrant white/pink flowers
• Late spring to summer bloom
• Native to eastern North America
• Attracts bees
• 6–10 feet tall and wide

Uses

Woodland gardens, wet areas.