smooth azalea

Plant Type

Shrub (less than 10 ft)

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

2-12 ft. tall
8-12 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Occasional Flooding

Inolerant of

Dry Soil

Propagation

By seed

Plant Propagation Notes

No pretreatment necessary. Seeds can be sown in a 2:1 perlite/peat mixture at 45-50 degrees.

Plant Planting Notes

Provide up to 12 ft spacing.

Plants/Diseases

May become infested with several insect or pathogen pests. Full sun can scorch the leaves without adequate moisture.

Wildlife Benefits

Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects, Host plant for butterfly larvae

Leaves

Leaves alternate, elliptical with entire margins.

Flowers

White, sometimes pink or yellow, fragrant and tube-shaped on a raceme.

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested.

USDA Hardiness Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Light Exposure

Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture

Moist

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acidic (less than 6.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Forested river and stream banks and swamps or boggy areas.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Apparently Secure (G4)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Rare in the coastal plain, sandhills, and piedmont. Common in the mountains.