Rhododendron atlanticum (A)
coastal azalea
A semi-dwarf, deciduous coastal azaelea with blue-green eliptical leaves and clusters of fragrant, funnel-shaped white flowers, blushed with pink, and protruding stamens. Flowers appear before the foliage in mid to late spring
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White Pink | Blue Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue Green | |||
| Autumn | Blue Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (dogs, cats, rabbits, tortoises) Harmful if eaten - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Rhododendron can be evergreen or deciduous shrubs or trees, with simple leaves, sometimes with a dense colourful indumentum of hairs on the lower side, and funnel-shaped, bell-shaped or tubular flowers that may be solitary or in short racemes
- Name status
Correct
- Horticultural Group
- Azaleas can be deciduous or evergreen, with mostly small, frequently fragrant, funnel-shaped flowers in spring or early summer; deciduous azaleas often have good autumn colour
- Plant range
- E USA
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist but well-drained, leafy, humus-rich acid soil in part shade with shelter; see rhododendron cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer, layering in autumn or grafting in late summer or late winter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Low Maintenance
- Banks and slopes
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to vine weevil, rhododendron leafhopper, pieris lacebug, scale insects, caterpillars and aphids
Diseases
May be susceptible to various Rhododendron diseases including powdery mildews, rhododendron petal blight, rhododendron bud blast, silver leaf and honey fungus
Get involved
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