Georgia Wildlife Federation

Resources < Wildlife Habitats < Guide to Native Plants of Georgia for Wildlife < Rhododendron vaseyi

Native Azaleas are some of the most graceful, peaceful, and charming flowers of the southeast. They are the epitome of the beauty of the southern wildflower, and remain one of the preferred plants for native landscaping in the south. They have a much higher tolerance for drought, sun, pests, and diseases than nonnative Azaleas. Their flowers are also more natural-looking in both shape and color. The fragrance of native Azalea flowers is all their own. They make wonderful cut flowers. They attract more large butterflies and moths than many other plants because the insects must have long enough mouthparts to sip from them. Hummingbirds will also territorially defend the flowers, delighting the native gardener with their chirps and iridescent colors.

Pinkshell Azalea looks best when planted en masse or combined with other native Azaleas. By planting more than one species of native Azalea, the blooming season is easily extended by up to a month. Other good companion plants include Red Maple, Swamp Chestnut Oak, White Oak, Willow Oak, native ferns, Lizard’s Tail, Mayapple, Clethra, and Itea.

While all other native Azaleas readily hybridize with one another, Pinkshell Azalea stands out. It is genetically different enough that it will not produce offspring with other plants within its genus. Pinkshell Azalea’s native range is restricted to high-elevation Appalachian wetlands. This endemic of the Blue Ridge was discovered in 1878 in Western North Carolina by G. R. Vasey, and later named after him. The first cultivated plant was acquired in 1880 by the Arnold Arboretum. Dangers to its survival include irresponsible and uncontrolled development of vacation and retirement housing, bog drainage, habitat destruction, and wild collection by amateur gardeners and nurserymen. Standout features include its marked cold-hardiness (grown even in Scandinavia), deep shade tolerance, and the lack of long tubes on its pink flowers. It is tolerant of soil compaction, poor drainage, and flooding, but generally intolerant of droughts unless established.

Family: Ericaceae (Heath)

Description: A deciduous woody perennial shrub with a loose, open form. Leaves are ovate, alternate, medium green, 1-4” long, and generally broader than other native Azaleas. Fall color is light to dark red. Flowers appear before the leaves of the plant itself as well as before most other plants and trees. They range from pink, to pure white, and may have a yellow throat. They are distinctive in their lack of corolla tubes. Fruits are small, dry, elongated capsules.

Size: 5-15 feet tall and 5-15 feet wide

Habit: Deciduous woody perennial shrub with a loose, open form

Growth Rate: Moderate

Light: Full sun (if near water), otherwise partial sun to shade

Planting and Care: The most important issues in the planting and care of native Azaleas are soil moisture and pH. Optimal sites should be near water. If not sited near water, amend the backfill with substantial organic matter such as rotted leaves or compost. Also, mulch with 2-4” pine straw, leaves, or wood chips to maintain moisture. Supplemental irrigation of at least 2” water per week during dry times such as summer may be necessary to grow native Azaleas in dry locations. They resist drought better when established after the first year. Maintain soil pH as acidic as possible, preferably below 5.0. Using pine straw as a mulch acidifies the soil, as does acid-loving plant fertilizers or adding sulfur. Hardy from USDA Zones 6-9.

Ornamental Value: The primary asset of native Azaleas are their magnificent trumpet-shaped flowers, whose powerful fragrances attract large, colorful butterflies as well as hummingbirds.

Landscape Use: Native Azaleas are best for planting where their fragrance and flowers may be easily enjoyed. They make excellent plantings near patios, decks, porches, and within view of windows. They are highly visible in naturalistic or woodland landscapes. They thrive near moving or stationary water sources as specimens or groupings, and reflect well upon ponds. Combine with evergreen shrubs for year-round interest.

Wildlife Benefits: Flowers provide nectar to a wide variety of animals including Hummingbirds, Swallowtails, Gulf Fritillaries, Monarchs, Hairstreaks, Skippers, and bees. It is often used as a nesting site by songbirds.

Native Habitat: Highly restricted native range within the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. It favors bogs, mountain ravines, swamps, stream banks, high-elevation heath meadows, and spruce or oak forests.

Propagation: Combine seeds loosely with sphagnum moss and sprinkle lightly over a 2:1 perlite/peat mixture. Optimum temperatures for germination are 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit. Transplant seedlings to moist, acid soil with a high content of organic matter. Division of mature clumps is also possible.