wild azalea

Plant Type

Shrub (less than 10 ft)

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

4-10 ft. tall
4-5 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Occasional Flooding

Inolerant of

Direct Afternoon Sun

Propagation

By seed

Plant Propagation Notes

No pretreatment is necessary.

Plant Planting Notes

Provide up to 5 ft spacing.

Plants/Diseases

Several insects may infect plants such as aphids, borers, lace bugs, leafhoppers, mealybugs, mites, scale, thrips, and white fly. Disease infections include cankers, crown rot, root rot, leaf spot, rust, and powdery mildew. It is not deer resistant.

Wildlife Benefits

Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects, Nectar source for hummingbirds

Leaves

Leaves alternate, elliptical to oblong with entire or serrate margins.

Flowers

Mostly pink, sometimes white fragrant flowers on a raceme.

Fruit

Capsule

Toxicity

Low toxicity if ingested.

USDA Hardiness Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Light Exposure

Part Sun/Shade, Full Shade

Soil Moisture

Moist

Soil Drainage

Well-drained, Poorly Drained

Soil pH

Acidic (less than 6.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Moist to dry slopes and along streambanks.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

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