Rhododendron

(Ericaceae - heath family)

Azalea, rhododendron. About 800 species of evergreen or deciduous shrubs and small trees. Native mostly to temperate areas of the Northern hemisphere, but found on all continents except Africa and S. America. Includes both the plants comonly known as rhododendrons and those known as azaleas. (While most rhododendrons have evergreen leaves and bell-shaped flowers, and most azaleas have deciduous leaves and funnel-shaped flowers, there is no real botanical distinction between the two.)

Rhododendrons generally require a well-drained acidic soil. A few species will tolerate poor drainage. Typically forest plants in their native habitat, most rhododendrons appreciate some protection from strong winds and intensely hot sun. It is desirable also to maintain a layeer of organic mulch over their root systems, to simulate the leaf litter of the forest floor.

maximum

evgrn shr • ht 8-15' • zones 4-9

rosebay rhododendron; great laurel

new, native, fragrant, hedge - screen, moist - wet, part sun - shade
eastern and central North America

A large, multi-stemmed, evergreen which reach to 30' in Appalachian Mountains with thick leathery dark green leaves with light rusty underside. Habit is upright and spreading generally broader than tall and will form dense thickets in the forest understory. Bright pink buds open into rose-margined, shell pink or white 1.5" blossoms with yellow flecks and coloration near 12 o'clock, reminiscent of large apple blossoms. Blooms later than most large-leaved rhododendrons in late June in clusters of up to 25 flowers. Growing along streams and on moist, rocky wooded slopes, R. maximum tolerates the low pH associated with damp, shady almost bog-like conditions. Prefers partial shade moist, cool, acidic, well-drained, organic soil, tolerates and flowers in relatively dense shade. State flower of W. Virginia.

cat # 3T3R
$13.95 each / 3+, $13.50 ea

viscosum

decid shr • ht to 8' • zones 4-9

white swamp azalea

native, fragrant, hedge - screen, moist - wet, sun - part shade
e and cent US

Fragrant white flowers about 2" long appear here in early July on this upright shrub. While it often grows naturally in wet soil and is quite tolerant of poor drainage, it also grows well on moist but well-drained sites.

cat # 3T4W
$12.95 each