Swamp Azalea
(Rhododendron viscosum)
Swamp Azalea (Rhododendron viscosum)
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Emily Summerbell
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Emily Summerbell
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Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Emily Summerbell | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Emily Summerbell | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-05-24T21:39:24Z |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Rhododendron viscosum, commonly known as Swamp Azalea, is a deciduous shrub native to swampy areas, wetland edges, and boggy forests in the Eastern and South Central United States. It typically grows to about 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) tall and equally broad, with a rounded habit. The leaves are matte green with a slightly hairy texture. During early summer, Swamp Azalea produces showy, funnel-shaped white flowers that are flushed with pink and exude a strong, sweet fragrance. The flowers are notable for their long, protruding stamens. After flowering, the plant may produce inconspicuous seed capsules.
Swamp Azalea is valued for its fragrant, attractive flowers and its adaptability to wet conditions, making it suitable for rain gardens and areas with poor drainage. It is also used in woodland gardens and as a specimen plant. This species thrives in acidic soil that is rich in organic matter, such as leaf mold, and requires consistent moisture. While it is cold hardy down to −20 °C (−4 °F), it does best in a sheltered location that provides protection from harsh winds. Swamp Azalea may be susceptible to pests such as lace bugs and diseases like powdery mildew, but these can be managed with proper care. It is not typically invasive when grown outside its native range, but gardeners should always monitor and manage their plants responsibly.CC BY-SA 4.0
Swamp Azalea is valued for its fragrant, attractive flowers and its adaptability to wet conditions, making it suitable for rain gardens and areas with poor drainage. It is also used in woodland gardens and as a specimen plant. This species thrives in acidic soil that is rich in organic matter, such as leaf mold, and requires consistent moisture. While it is cold hardy down to −20 °C (−4 °F), it does best in a sheltered location that provides protection from harsh winds. Swamp Azalea may be susceptible to pests such as lace bugs and diseases like powdery mildew, but these can be managed with proper care. It is not typically invasive when grown outside its native range, but gardeners should always monitor and manage their plants responsibly.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 3-5 feet
- Width: 3-5 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: White
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Part Shade
- Water: High
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Swampy areas, wetland edges, and boggy forests in the Eastern and South Central United States
Other Names
Common Names: Texas Azalea , Clammy Azalea , Swamp Honeysuckle
Scientific Names: Rhododendron viscosum , Rhododendron serrulatum , Rhododendron viscosum var. serrulatum , Azalea viscosa , Rhododendron viscosum f. nitidum , Rhododendron viscosum var. glaucum , Rhododendron viscosum f. glaucum , Rhododendron viscosum var. tomentosum , Rhododendron viscosum var. montanum , Rhododendron coryi
GBIF Accepted Name: Rhododendron viscosum (L.) Torr.