Rhododendron atlanticum

Coastal azalea is a compact, woody, deciduous shrub in the Ericaceae (blueberry family). Typically, it matures to 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, but infrequently rises to as much as 6 feet tall. This azalea is native to coastal plain areas from New Jersey and Pennsylvania south to Georgia. The genus name derives from the Greek words rhodo, which means rose, and dendron, meaning tree. 

It prefers full sun to partial shade, consistent moisture, and well-drained sandy soil. Mulching the soil with needles, bark, or compost will help it stay moist and manage a consistent soil temperature. This plant spreads by underground stolons. Place plants where they can be protected from strong winter winds and frosts as leaves can burn and flowers can be damaged.  

This species is often used in azalea breeding programs because of its potent flower fragrance. The showy flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. 

In the landscape, use coastal azalea as an accent, border, or hedge in a pollinator, native, or woodland garden. It may also be grown in a container indoors or outside. Prune rhododendrons and azaleas after they bloom to preserve the current season's bloom, and allow time for the plant to produce flower buds for next year's bloom.  Rhododendrons and azaleas set next year's flower buds by mid to late summer. 

Fire Risk: This plant has a medium flammability rating. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Insect problems include aphids, borers, lace bugs, leafhoppers, mealybugs, mites, nematodes, scale, thrips, and whitefly. Diseases include canker, crown rot, root rot, leaf spot, rust, and powdery mildew. This plant is frequently damaged by deer.

While azaleas remain very popular for landscape use, many cultivars are susceptible to Phytophthora root rot—this leads to leaf loss, reduced vigor, branch dieback, and wilting. Implement good cultural practices first, such as improving drainage with organic matter or berms and avoiding overwatering or overfertilization. However, if you have a site with a history of this disease, consider planting one of the root rot-resistant alternative species listed in the left-hand sidebar. 

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common diseases of rhododendron.  

For suitable alternatives, see this video created by Charlotte Glen as part of the Plants, Pests, and Pathogens series.

VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

More information on Rhododendron.