Fort Towson

Rhododendron viscosum, the swamp azalea,[1] clammy azalea or swamp honeysuckle,[2] is a species of flowering plant in the heath family Ericaceae. This deciduous shrub, growing to 2.5 m (8.2 ft) tall and broad, is native to the eastern United States. It has rounded matt green leaves. In early summer it produces funnel-shaped white flowers flushed pink. The flowers have prominent stamens and are strongly fragrant.

In cultivation in the UK, Rhododendron viscosum has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.[2][3] It is hardy down to −20 °C (−4 °F) but like most rhododendron species requires a sheltered position in dappled shade with acid soil that has been enriched with leaf mold.

Fall foliage at the High Line, New York

References

  1. ^ USDA, NRCS (n.d.). "Rhododendron viscosum". The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov). Greensboro, North Carolina: National Plant Data Team. Retrieved 21 October 2015.
  2. ^ a b "RHS Plantfinder - Rhododendron viscosum". Retrieved 6 October 2018.
  3. ^ "AGM Plants - Ornamental" (PDF). Royal Horticultural Society. July 2017. p. 85. Retrieved 2 October 2018.