Rhododendron atlanticum
Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- rho-doh-DEN-dron at-LAN-tih-kum
- This plant has high severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
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Rhododendron atlanticum, commonly known as Dwarf Azalea, is a compact, loosely-branched, stoloniferous, suckering, deciduous shrub that typically matures to 2-3’ tall and as wide, but infrequently rises to as much as 6’ tall. Plants which mature to 1-2’ tall are often commonly called dwarf azalea in recognition of their small size. It is a woody, evergreen or deciduous shrub that spreads by underground stolons.
This azalea is native to coastal plain areas from New Jersey and Pennsylvania south to Georgia.
They prefer consistent moisture, and well-drained soil, they don’t like “wet feet” which leads to root rot. Mulching the soil with needles, bark, or compost will help it stay moist and manage a consistant soil temperature. 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.
Fire Risk: This plant has a medium flammability rating.
Seasons of Interest:
Blooms: Spring Nut/FruitSeed: Fall
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Rhododendrons are susceptible to insect and disease problems. Diseases include canker, crown rot, root rot, leaf spot, rust, and powdery mildew. Full sun can scorch the leaves and the roots rot if the soil does not drain well. This plant is frequently damaged by deer.
HIGHLY TOXIC, MAY BE FATAL IF EATEN!
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.
- Profile Video:
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Rhododendron
- Species:
- atlanticum
- Family:
- Ericaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Woody
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Eastern US
- Distribution:
- Coastal areas of the Eastern US
- Fire Risk Rating:
- medium flammability
- Wildlife Value:
- Nectar from flowers attract butterflies and members of the genus Rhododendron support the following specialized bee: Andrena (Andrena) cornelli. Hummingbirds are attracted to the blooms.
- Dimensions:
- Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 3 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Native Plant
- Poisonous
- Shrub
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Dense
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Coarse
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Sand
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Occasionally Dry
- Occasionally Wet
- Available Space To Plant:
- 3 feet-6 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 6b, 6a, 7b, 7a, 8b, 8a
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Fruit:
- Fruit Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Showy
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Fall
- Fruit Type:
- Berry
- Fruit Description:
- Displays from August to October.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Pink
- White
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Size:
- 1-3 inches
- Flower Description:
- 1.5" blooms form with sticky corollas and stamens that extend longer than the petals. From clusters up to 13" long. Dead-head spent flower clusters immediately after bloom. The fragrance is strong and musky. Blooms from April to May.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Leaf Color:
- Blue
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Rough
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Elliptical
- Ovate
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Description:
- 2 1/2 inches long, cillate hairs, blunt, rounded tips
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Bark:
- Bark Color:
- Light Brown
- Light Gray
- Bark Description:
- The bark is thin and gray/brown with fine scales.
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Houseplants
- Woodland
- Landscape Theme:
- Butterfly Garden
- Native Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Design Feature:
- Accent
- Border
- Hedge
- Attracts:
- Butterflies
- Pollinators
- Small Mammals
- Specialized Bees
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Rabbits
- Wet Soil
- Problems:
- Problem for Cats
- Problem for Dogs
- Problem for Horses
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Poisonous to Humans:
- Poison Severity:
- High
- Poison Symptoms:
- Salivation, watering of eyes and nose, abdominal pain, loss of energy, depression, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, cardiac failure, difficult breathing, progressive paralysis of arms and legs, coma.
- Poison Toxic Principle:
- Andromedotoxin, Grayantoxin
- Causes Contact Dermatitis:
- No
- Poison Part:
- Bark
- Flowers
- Fruits
- Leaves
- Roots
- Stems
