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colorful fall leaves of rhus aromatica
Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-Lo’ (Fragrant Sumac) Photo © Mary Free
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Rhododendron periclymenoides (Wild or Pinxterbloom Azalea)

 

Rhododendron periclymenoides (Wild Azalea) flower buds in April.
Rhododendron periclymenoides (Wild Azalea) flowers and buds in April.
Rhododendron periclymenoides (Wild Azalea) flowers in April.
Rhododendron periclymenoides (Wild Azalea) in the woods of the U.S. National Arboretum in April.
Rhododendron periclymenoides (Wild Azalea) leaves in June.

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Rhododendron periclymenoides Wild or Pinxterbloom Azalea Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic Wild Azalea’s showy flowers, which bloom just before or as its leaves emerge, make it a great substitute for overused non-native and hybrid azaleas or other traditional spring-flowering species. It is native* to moist woods, swamp margins, and stream banks throughout the Mid- Atlantic Region where it thrives in dappled sunlight or high open shade. Shrub Height: 3–10 feet Bloom Color: Pink, white Smooth, oblong-oboovate medium-green (dull yellow in fall) leaves, alternate but appear whorled at twig tips April Shrub, Leaves, Flowers Spread: 6–12 feet Characteristics Deciduous, dense, spreading shrub with horizontal branching, rounded shape, often multi-stemmed Terminal racemes of fragrant, 5-petaled, tubular flowers with 5 curved exserted stamens April–May Elongated, 5-valved capsule matures Sept–Oct Gray to reddish-brown, finely shredded bark Spreads by rhizomes to form clonal thickets Attributes Tolerant of heat, drought, rabbits; intolerant of dense clay; susceptible to numerous pests and diseases; deer frequently damage Poisonous to humans; problem for cats, dogs, horses Attracts bees, hummingbirds, swallowtails; larval host for ~54 lepidopterans Growing and Maintenance Tips Soil Requirements: Rich, acidic, well-drained Excellent Replacement for Abelia x grandiflora - Abelia Light Requirements: Sun, Partial Shade (best) Asian Azaleas & Rhododendrons Water Requirements: Moist, (occasionally) Wet Plant root ball high in soil to help with drainage issues; mulch with wood chips or pine needles Full afternoon sun can scorch leaves Use as hedge; foundation, butterfly, woodland planting Camellia japonica - Camellia Daphne odora - Daphne Ligustrum japonicum & L. sinense - Privets Spiraea japonica - Japanese Spiraea Hardiness: USDA Zones 4–9 *Common throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region. developed by Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia, serving Arlington and Alexandria Images by Elaine Mills, U.S. National Arboretum

Tried and True Native Plant Selections
 for the Mid-Atlantic

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Rhododendron periclymenoides (Wild or Pinxterbloom Azalea)

Wild Azalea’s showy flowers, which bloom just before or as its leaves emerge, make it a great substitute for overused non-native and hybrid azaleas or other traditional spring-flowering species. It is native* to moist woods, swamp margins, and stream banks throughout the Mid- Atlantic Region where it thrives in dappled sunlight or high open shade.

*Common throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region. You can view the VA counties in which it has been reported here.

Learn more about other Mid-Atlantic plants: 
Tried and True Native Plant Fact Sheets