Mountain azalea (Rhododendron canescens)

Also known as: Hoary azalea, Honeysuckle azalea, Florida pinxter, Pinxter flower, Florida honeysuckle

Mountain azalea (Rhododendron canescens), also known as piedmont azalea, is indigenous to the southeastern United States. This species thrives in well-drained, fine-textured soils and is noted for its slow growth.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Mountain azalea

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Shrub

Plant Height

6 m

Spread

1.8 m to 3.5 m

Leaf Color

Green Red

Flower Size

2.5 cm to 5 cm

Flower Color

Pink White

Images of Mountain azalea

Quickly Identify Mountain azalea

Deciduous shrub reaching 6-8 feet (183-244 cm) with velvety leaves and pink flowers.

Funnel-shaped flowers 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) long, emitting a sweet fragrance.

Capsule fruit measuring 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) in length, releasing small seeds.

Dark green, obovate leaves with rusty red color in fall, veins prominent.

Scientific Classification of Mountain azalea

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Ericales

Family

Heath

Genus

Azaleas

Species

Mountain azalea

Planting and Growing of Mountain azalea

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 4 days

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

4.5-6

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Mountain azalea?

When watering Rhododendron canescens, ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Aiming for about 500 ml per session should generally suffice, depending on the size of the plant and weather conditions. Water until the top 1-2 inches of soil feel moist, but allow excess to drain to prevent root rot.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Mountain azalea? ›

What should I do if my Mountain azalea is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Mountain azalea? ›

How to save an overwatered Mountain azalea? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Mountain azalea?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun

Duration of light: 4 to 6 hours

Rhododendron canescens thrives in partial sun, ideally with morning light. Adequate light encourages full, vibrant flowers and strong, healthy foliage, enhancing its natural beauty.

What is the best spot for this plant? ›

How can ideal light conditions be achieved? ›

What benefits does ideal lighting offer? ›

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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Mountain azalea?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

Maintaining an ideal temperature range between 60°F and 75°F is crucial for the healthy growth of Rhododendron canescens. This mild range supports optimal photosynthesis, allowing the plant to thrive. It helps in maintaining the moisture balance and prevents stress on the plant, ensuring vibrant blooms and healthy foliage.

What Soil is Best for Mountain azalea?

Soil type: Loam, Acidic soil, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 4.5 ~ 6

Rhododendron canescens thrives in well-drained soil to prevent waterlogging that can lead to root rot. This condition ensures the roots receive adequate oxygen and helps maintain essential nutrients accessible to the plant. The soil must retain adequate moisture without being too wet. Moisture retention supports consistent water supply, crucial for Rhododendron’s lush foliage and blooms, particularly during dry spells. Rhododendron canescens prefers nutrient-rich soils that offer balanced minerals like nitrogen and calcium. This boosts healthy growth, encourages vibrant flower production, and supports overall plant vigor.

How to Fertilize Mountain azalea?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Rhododendron canescens, fertilizing should be done with care. Use a balanced fertilizer at half the recommended rate. Apply approximately 1/2 pound per plant to avoid nutrient overload. This species thrives better with lower concentrations due to its sensitivity to high nutrient environments.

How to Prune Mountain azalea?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Start by removing any dead, damaged, or diseased branches to improve air circulation and the plant's overall appearance. Cut these branches back to healthy wood or the plant base. To maintain the natural shape of your Rhododendron canescens, trim back overgrown branches. Cut just above a leaf node or outward-facing bud to encourage bushy growth and avoid leaving stubs. Be careful not to remove too many new buds for the next season's blooms. Visual inspection and gentle touch should reveal the small buds, which are often located at the tips of branches. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Mountain azalea plant?

Propagate Time: Early spring,Late spring,Early summer

Gather seeds from mature Rhododendron canescens plants in late spring when pods are ripe. Dry them properly before storing or sowing for better germination rates.

Select healthy, semi-hardwood cuttings from new growth. Cut sections roughly 5-6 inches long, making sure there are 2-3 leaf nodes per cutting.

Place cuttings in a well-draining, sterile medium like peat moss and perlite. Ensure nodes are buried while leaves remain above the surface. Water thoroughly, avoiding leaf contact with water.

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How to Repot Mountain azalea plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

The right time to repot Rhododendron canescens is when you notice the plant's roots are protruding from the drainage holes of the pot or when the growth appears stunted despite adequate care. Additionally, if the soil appears compacted or the plant simply isn’t thriving as it should, it's another sign that repotting might be necessary.

Select a pot that is one size larger than the current one. It should be made of a material that permits air circulation, like terracotta. Ensure there are adequate drainage holes to prevent water logging. This helps in maintaining optimal root health and prevents root rot, thereby aiding the plant’s overall wellbeing.

The soil should be acidic and well-draining, mimicking the natural habitat of Rhododendron canescens. A mix of peat, sand, and pine bark is ideal, offering both the necessary acidity and adequate drainage. Such soil prevents water retention around the roots, reducing the risk of root rot and facilitating healthy growth.

Toxicity of Mountain azalea

Is Mountain azalea toxic to cat?

The mountain azalea represents a significant risk to feline health. Ingesting any portion of this plant can lead to severe poisoning in cats. Symptoms indicative of its potent toxicity may manifest as physical distress and various signs of illness, necessitating urgent medical intervention. Should ingestion be suspected, it is essential for cat owners to respond promptly and contact a veterinarian without delay to secure the most favorable outcome for their pet.

Is Mountain azalea toxic to dog?

The species known as mountain azalea presents a significant toxicity risk to dogs. If a dog consumes any component of this plant, it can result in severe health issues. Every part of the plant, including its leaves, flowers, stems, and roots, is poisonous when ingested by dogs. Typically, poisoning occurs through the ingestion of mountain azalea. Dogs that have ingested parts of this plant may show signs such as gastrointestinal distress, weakness, irregular heart rate, tremors, and potentially life-threatening conditions. It is essential for dog owners to be alert and safeguard their pets from accessing or chewing on mountain azalea. Should there be any suspicion of a dog being poisoned by this plant, immediate veterinary assistance is vital to ensure the highest chance of recovery.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

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