Rhododendron arborescens

Introduction

Rhododendron arborescens, the Sweet Azalea, has white to blush pink flowers with red stamens, and a very strong fragrance similar to heliotrope. It blooms in late spring to early summer and individual flowers measure 1.5 to 2 inches across.

First described by John Bartram in 1814, this species has a wide distribution in the eastern United States, but can usually be found growing near streams or moist areas. It is sometimes known as the "Smooth Azalea" because the stems are very smooth and do not have hairs similar to the other azaleas.

An excellent landscape plant, R. arborescens can perfume a wide area when in bloom. Relatively easy to propagate, there are a number of excellent forms in the trade.


Distribution Map

Plants in the Wild

#112


Barbour Co., WV
(Audra State Park)
#113


Randolph Co., WV
(Cheat Bridge Shavers Fork)
#114


Barbour Co., WV
(Audra State Park)
#115


Macon Co., NC
(Wayah Bald)
#116


Transylvana Co., NC
(Blue Ridge Parkway)


Variations in Flower Form

#117


Macon Co., NC
(Wayah Bald)
#118


Barbour Co., WV
(Audra State Park)
#119


Macon Co., NC
(Wayah and Wine Spring Bald Bald)
#120


Barbour Co., WV
(Audra State Park)
#121


Upson Co., GA
Acknowledgement:
The images presented here are reproduced with permission from color slides taken by the Species Study Group of the Middle Atlantic Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society. The slides are numbered, and correspond to the sequence used in the program Eastern Native Azalea Species presented by George K. McLellan at the East Coast Regional Conference of the ARS in November 1999.

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East Coast Native Azaleas
R. vaseyi
R. canadense
R. canescens
R. austrinum
R. flammeum
R. periclymenoides
R. alabamense
R. atlanticum
R. calendulaceum
R. prinophyllum
R. viscosum
R. arborescens
R. cumberlandense
R. prunifolium
R. eastmanii

Identifying the Native Azaleas
INTRO
WHITE
PINK
ORANGE