Georgia Wildlife Federation

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

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.

Swamp 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 Swampbay, Sweetbay, Pond Pine, Red Maple, Swamp Chestnut Oak, native ferns, Lizard’s Tail, Titi, Waxmyrtle, Fetterbush, and Inkberry.

Swamp Azalea is exceptional among Azaleas for its excellent fall color (orange to maroon). Another interesting thing is that its flowers are unusually sticky, or viscous, with a musky rather than sweet scent. It is shorter-growing than the Piedmont Azalea. Swamp Azalea blooms in summer rather than in spring like other Azaleas and is important in extending blooming time into hotter parts of the year. It is tolerant of occasional flooding. It is much shorter than the Yellow Azalea, and just slightly shorter than the Piedmont Azalea. It has better cold hardiness than both the Yellow and Piedmont Azaleas, and is exceptionally tolerant of the heat and humidity found along the Coastal Plain.

Notes on related species: Rhododendron arborescens, or Smooth Azalea, is a close relative of Swamp Azalea. It is a white-flowering wetland species with a more southern distribution, typically south of Virginia. It differs by having smooth twigs, glabrous leaves, and red stamens, and is one of the last azaleas to bloom. The leaves are darker green, and turn red or purple in fall. Smooth Azalea is drought sensitive, requiring constantly moist soil and partial shade.

Rhododendron alabamense, or Alabama Azalea, is a closer relative of the Piedmont Azalea than the Swamp Azalea. The flowers are typically lemon or citrus-scented, white in color, and sometimes possess a pale yellow coloration around the throat or whole bloom. The scent is perhaps the strongest among native Azaleas. Like the Piedmont Azalea, it blooms in the spring and possesses larger flowers than the Swamp Azalea. It is only hardy to Zone 7. Low growing, Alabama Azalea may be expected to weigh in at a mere 5-7 feet tall and equally wide.

Family: Ericaceae (Heath)

Description: A deciduous, woody perennial shrub with a loose, open form. Leaves are 1 ½-3 ½” long and 5/8-1 ½” wide, clustered at the terminal ends of stems, lustrous, green on both sides, and have short petioles. Fall color is orange to maroon. Flowers are white, with lavender tubes that are slightly enlarged at the base, 1 ¼-1 ¾” long, trumpet-shaped, and have 5 narrow, petal-like spreading lobes. Reproductive parts extend beyond the petals. Fruits are ½” long and dry.

Size: 5-7 feet tall and 5-7 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: Native to the US east of the Mississippi, from Maine west to Ohio, and south to Louisiana and Georgia. Favored habitats include swamps, bogs, and stream margins.

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.