Planting and Growing the Smooth Azalea

A member of the heath family of plants, the smooth azalea is native to the United States. It is botanically known as Rhododendron arborescens or by the synonym Azalea arborescens.

Smooth Azalea Description

Growing 8 to 12 feet high and 8 to 12 feet wide, the smooth azalea has bright green glossy leaves and fragrant white or pinkish flowers. It is loosely branched and fast growing. The leaves turn red and purple in the fall. Flowers are funnel-shaped and have red stamens in clusters. Bloom season is between June and July, one of the last azaleas to be blooming in the season.

Growing Guide

The smooth azalea prefers partial shade and moist acidic soil. Soil should also be well-drained. It is sensitive to drought. Propagate by seed. Seed doesn't need pretreating prior to sowing but should be misted or put under a plastic tent to start germination.

Distribution

This native is seen in the states of Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. It is found in stream banks and mountain bogs.

Warnings

All parts of Rhododendron plants contain poisonous compounds and may be fatal. It contains the toxic compound andromedotoxin. Not only is the plant itself poisonous, but honey that is made from the azalea flowers is also poisonous.

Classification

• Kingdom - Plantae- Plants
• Subkingdom - Tracheobionta- Vascular plants
• Superdivision - Spermatophyta- Seed plants
• Division - Magnoliophyta- Flowering plants
• Class - Magnoliopsida- Dicotyledons
• Subclass - Dilleniidae
• Order - Ericales
• Family - Ericaceae- Heath family
• Genus - Rhododendron L.- rhododendron
• Species - Rhododendron arborescens (Pursh) Torr.- smooth azalea

Source: NPIN, PlantsDatabase