Rhododendron x 'Stonewall Jackson'

‘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.