Early Azalea Rhododendron prinophyllum

Early azalea is a woody, spreading, deciduous shrub in the Ericaceae (blueberry) family. Native to eastern North America, including North Carolina it grows 2 to 8 feet tall and wide and is found in damp thickets, open woods, and shores. The genus name derives from the Greek words rhodo, which means rose, and dendron, meaning tree.

Early azalea prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soils in dappled shade and protection from afternoon sun which can scorch the leaves. It does not tolerate dense clay, so if you have clay soil, amend with organic material. The roots may rot if soil does not drain well. Plant the root ball high in the soil to help with drainage issues. Pruning, if desired, may be done after flowering. 

 In the landscape, it works well as an understory woody shrub in a forest or natural area or a specimen in a native garden. It will attract bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators, so use it in a pollinator garden as well.

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

While these shrubs 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 a root rot-resistant alternative species. 

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.