Rhododendron viscosum Swamp Azalea

General

This species blooms after most other azaleas and does well in wet areas. The word Rhododendron comes from the Greek for “rose-tree” and viscosum means “sticky”, which refers to the sticky glands on the flowers.

Plant Description

Deciduous shrub with alternate leaves, clustered at the ends of branches. Leaves are glossy above, hairy underneath, with entire margins. Flowers are usually white with sticky glands.

Height (ft)
3-12

Spread (ft)
3-12

Soil moisture
Can withstand periodic flooding, but not prolonged flooding

Soil types
Acidic soils that are organic, mineral, or a combination of both

Wetland indicator
OBL

Shade tolerance
Tolerant, prefers partial to full shade

Bloom color
White to pink

Bloom period
Summer

Fall conspicuous
No

Anaerobic tolerance
Medium

Drought tolerance
Medium

Salinity tolerance
None

Self-Pollinating?
Yes

Range

Northeastern and southern United States, north to southern Maine, south to Florida, and west to eastern Texas.

Kartesz, J.T. 2024. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP) [website http://bonap.org/]

Additional Information