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

Photo/Illustration: Bill Johnson

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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).

Overview
User Reviews
Photos

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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