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Rhododendron viscosum and cvs. (Swamp azalea, Sweet azalea)

Rhododendron viscosum and cvs. Photo/Illustration: Bill Johnson


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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Rhododendron viscosum and cvs. roe-doe-DEN-dron viss-KOE-sum Common Name: Swamp azalea, Sweet azalea 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).
Height 6 ft. to 10 ft.
Spread 6 ft. to 10 ft.
Light Full Shade Only
Moisture Medium Moisture
Characteristics Fragrant Flowers; Native; Showy Flowers
Bloom Time Spring
Flower Color Pink Flower; White Flower
Style Woodland Garden
Seasonal Interest Spring Interest, Summer Interest
Type Shrubs

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