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Rhododendron 'Stonewall Jackson'

Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
roh-do-DEN-dron
This plant has high severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

‘Stonewall Jackson’ azalea is a woody, deciduous hybrid shrub cultivar in the Ericaceae (blueberry) family. The genus name Rhododendron derives from the Greek words rhodo, which means rose, and dendron, meaning tree. Growing up to  6 feet to 10 feet in height and 5 feet to 8 feet wide, this cultivar is the largest of the "Confederate Series" azaleas which are derived from crossing Rhododendron austrinum and Rhododendron x 'Hotspur Yellow'. Members of the "Confederate Series" of azaleas were bred to withstand the humidity and heat of southern summers.

Clusters of showy fragrant bright orange to red flowers attract pollinators during their spring bloom period.  The large orange blooms are similar in appearance to flame azalea. This azalea, as most, needs moist, humus-rich, acidic soil that drains well. Plant in partial to dappled shade, although it can tolerate a few hours of mid to late afternoon sun.  Very little pruning is needed except to maintain shape.

Use this spring show stopper as an accent or specimen plant or in small groups as an understory planting at the edges of a woodland or in a pollinator garden with partial shade.  It works well planted in large containers near a patio where its fragrance can be enjoyed and the containers can be moved indoors in areas where it may not be winter hardy.  Use in a colorful shrub border, as a foundation plant, or in naturalized areas.  

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. This cultivar is more resistant to 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 one of the 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.

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Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy flowers#deciduous#poisonous#fragrant flowers#heat tolerant#specimen#deciduous shrub#orange flowers#low maintenance#specialized bees#deer browsing plant#foundation planting#large flowers#pollinator plant#naturalized area#flowers early spring#sensory garden#humidity tolerant#small group plantings#understory shrub#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses#shrub borders#container plant#flowers spring#woodland#accent
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy flowers#deciduous#poisonous#fragrant flowers#heat tolerant#specimen#deciduous shrub#orange flowers#low maintenance#specialized bees#deer browsing plant#foundation planting#large flowers#pollinator plant#naturalized area#flowers early spring#sensory garden#humidity tolerant#small group plantings#understory shrub#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses#shrub borders#container plant#flowers spring#woodland#accent
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Rhododendron
    Family:
    Ericaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Wildlife Value:
    Members of the genus Rhododendron support the following specialized bee: Andrena (Andrena) cornelli.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 5 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 5 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Poisonous
    Shrub
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Maintenance:
    Low
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    6-feet-12 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Orange
    Red/Burgundy
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Raceme
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Fragrant
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Shape:
    Funnel
    Trumpet
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    Flower Description:
    Flame orange-yellow with red tints funnel to trumpet shaped ruffled flowers with 5 petals and visible stamens and pitsols in the early spring.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Description:
    Dark green leaves. No fall color.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Naturalized Area
    Patio
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Garden for the Blind
    Pollinator Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Foundation Planting
    Screen/Privacy
    Small groups
    Specimen
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Heat
    Humidity
    Problems:
    Poisonous to Humans
    Problem for Cats
    Problem for Dogs
    Problem for Horses
  • 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
    Sap/Juice
    Seeds
    Stems