Rhododendron canescens
mountain azalea
Attracts PollinatorsAttracts ButterfliesAttracts HummingbirdsFragrant (strong)
Native to North America
Overview
Rhododendron canescens is a deciduous native azalea reaching 6-15 feet (1.8-4.6 m) tall and 6-10 feet (1.8-3 m) wide, with an upright, loosely branched, often suckering habit that forms thickets over time. The leaves are 1.5-4 inches (4-10 cm) long, elliptic, dull green, and hairy beneath, turning yellow before dropping in fall. In early to mid spring, before or as the leaves expand, it bears clusters of long-tubed, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of pale to deep pink, often with a white throat and long, projecting stamens. The flowers carry a sweet, spicy fragrance. Native to the southeastern United States, it grows in moist woodlands, streambanks, and bottomlands on acidic soil. R. canescens needs consistently moist but well-drained, organically rich, acid soil and dappled shade to part sun; it suffers leaf scorch and stress in dry, exposed, or alkaline sites. Its shallow roots are intolerant of drought and compaction. The suckering habit, useful for naturalizing, can spread wider than expected in small gardens.
Native Range
Native to the southeastern United States, from North Carolina and Tennessee south to Florida and west to Texas. It grows naturally in moist woodlands, along streambanks, and in bottomland forests on acidic soils.Suggested Uses
Used in woodland gardens, shrub borders, and native and pollinator plantings in the Southeast, where its fragrance and early bloom suit naturalistic settings. It works as an informal screen or thicket along woodland edges and streambanks, spaced 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 m) apart. The early flowers supply nectar for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6' - 15'
Width/Spread6' - 10'
Reaches mature size in approximately 8 years
Bloom Information
Bloom occurs in early to mid spring, generally March to April depending on latitude, opening before or as the new leaves emerge. Flowers range from pale pink to rose with a paler throat and last about two to three weeks. The sweet fragrance is strongest on warm days.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
pale to deep pink with white throatFoliage Description
dull greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow in part shade to dappled sun in moist, acidic, humus-rich soil that drains freely. R. canescens has shallow, fibrous roots that need steady moisture and a cool root run, and a 2-3 inch (5-7.5 cm) mulch of pine straw or bark helps retain moisture and acidity. It does not tolerate drought, soggy ground, alkaline soil, or root disturbance. Deep watering during dry spells benefits plants, especially in the first few seasons and while in bloom. Heavy fertilizing is unnecessary; a light feeding with an acid-forming fertilizer after flowering is sufficient. Poor drainage encourages root rot, and high soil pH causes yellowing leaves.Pruning
Pruning is done immediately after flowering, since flower buds for the next year form on old wood during summer. Thinning the oldest stems at the base renews the shrub and opens the canopy. Unwanted suckers can be removed to limit spread.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late spring