Native plants for wetlands, fields or forests and an eclectic mix of other botanic delights

Rhododendron arborescens

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Status
In Stock
Sweet or Smooth Azalea
Fragrant and Beautiful
Mature Size:
' Height /
' Spread
Expected Size:
5'-10'
/
5'-10'
Light Preference:
Part Sun
Soil Preference:
Moist (Mesic)
Price:
$32.50/1 gal.; $45.00/2 gal.; some larger

Rhododendron arborescens, the Sweet or Smooth Azalea, has white to slightly pink flowers with red stamens and style, and a very pungent fragrance that is remeniscent of heliotrope. It blooms in late spring to early summer and individual flowers measure up to 2 inches across.

It is commonly stated that John Bartram described the species in 1814, but this is unlikely, since he died in 1777. According to other references, the plant was actually first observed by the botanist, Andre' Michaux in 1795 in North Carolina, but no specimen was found in his collection, so the formal credit goes to Bartram and Pursh.

It is widely distributed in the eastern United States. It often grows 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. Soils may need to be acidified before planting to maintain a low enough pH to satisfy this shrub's growth requirements.  Does well planted in mixed or shrub boarders, woodland or open shade gardens. It tolerates wet planting sites so would be a good candidate for rain gardens.

We sometimes carry a number of geographic varieties, such as var. Georgiana and a form from Wayah Bald of North Carolina (currently sold out).

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Information

Prices listed are subject to change, based upon size change and availability.

We are a small local nursery with limited shipping capability. We will do our best to ship smaller material (usually 1 or 2 gallon), although we can sometimes ship larger plants with the pots removed.

We have some species that are not listed, as we have too few of them to make a full listing plausible. You can always inquire.

We will consider contract growing an order with appropriate advance notice and availability of seed, cuttings or lining out stock.

Fall Business Hours
Monday
10 - 6
Tuesday
10 - 6
Wednesday
By Appointment
Thursday
10- 6
Friday
10- 5
Saturday
10 - 5
Sunday
11- 4
Kollar Nursery | 5200 West Heaps Road, Pylesville, MD 21132 | 410.836.0500
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