Rhododendron canescens (Piedmont or Mountain Azalea) Unity Grown

Rhododendron canescens, also called mountain azalea or Piedmont azalea, is a medium sized showy shrubs that grows to heights of 8-15' tall, though most commonly it tops out around 8'. Deciduous leaves are glossy and dark green, and from March to May, Rhododendron canescens produces showy, lightly fragrant pink to white flowers that are sticky to the touch. Flowers are attractive to butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, and make for a truly impressive show through the spring with long, trailing pistils and stamens protruding from the petals.

Like other rhododendrons, mountain azalea is sensitive to soil moisture, pH, and light, and grows best in moist but well-drained, acidic, and organically rich soils. Rhododendron canescens tolerates some shade, but not as much as some deep forest species, and prefers part shade such as that of forest margins or open forest environments. With its specific growth requirements, Piedmont azalea may be a finicky plant for the home garden, but when its optimal growth conditions are met, Rhododendron canescens can produce dense, thickety colonies of shrubs, which produce a stunning spring effect and a wonderful scent, which makes them a good choice for naturalization projects in shaded or acidic areas. With wide-spreading surface roots and a need for speedy drainage, Rhododendron canescens is also an excellent pick for hillside plantings or slope-stabilization projects.