Native to the southeastern coastal plains of the United States, Rhododendron atlanticum, commonly known as Coastal Azalea or Dwarf Azalea, is a delightfully fragrant, semi-dwarf, deciduous Azalea. Attractive and tough, this low, spreading shrub has been used in Azalea breeding programs to obtain sweet-smelling deciduous Azaleas. The powerful musky fragrance of this Azalea makes it a valuable addition alongside walking paths.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Rhododendron atlanticum, the dwarf azalea or coastal azalea, is a species of Rhododendron native to coastal areas of the eastern United States, from New Jersey south to Georgia.
It is a very tough plant, responding to overgrazing or forest fires by generating new shoots.
Rhododendron atlanticum are compact, loosely branched, deciduous shrubs that typically grow to be two to three feet tall at maturity but can grow up to six feet, and are two to three feet wide. It is a deciduous shrub 50–150 cm (20–59 in) tall, forming a thick understory in forests, spreading by underground stolons. The leaves are 3–5 cm long and 1–2 cm broad, bluish green, and hairless or with scattered glandular hairs. The fragrant flowers are 3–4 cm long, usually white to pink, sometimes with a flush of yellow; they are produced in trusses of 4-10 together.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Rhododendron atlanticum needs ample protection from wind and direct afternoon sun. Do not plant them in windy spots. Around buildings, they do best on the east or north side. In open areas, they like alternating sun and shade. Plants may survive continuous shade if trees have branches pruned high. Fences, shrubbery, or screens may also give protection from afternoon sun.
Temperature
In spring and summer, the ideal temperature for growth is 18–22 ° C. In autumn and winter, these plants goes to a rest period which last 1.5 – 2 months with a temperature of 12–15 ° C. Winter damage may occur at infrequent intervals, usually due to lack of dormancy in the plant when cold weather occurs. To help develop winter hardiness, avoid adding large amounts of nitrogen after July.
Watering
Azalea atlantica need ample water during the summer. If they are planted under wide eave overhangs, furnish water during the entire year. Keep in mind that although these plants need moisture, they will not thrive in wet, poorly aerated soils.
Use mulches to control weeds, conserve moisture, and provide more uniform soil temperatures. Mulches can be made of sawdust, bark dust, peat moss, straw, or other organic materials. If these materials are incorporated into the soil after serving as a mulch, add some nitrogen to assist in decomposition of the woody materials.
Avoid excessive irrigation in fall. Plants kept dry in September will tend to harden off and be better prepared for the winter. If the fall has been excessively dry, watering should be done after the first killing frost. At that time watering will not reduce winter hardiness but will prepare the plant for winter. The soil should be thoroughly moist before cold weather sets in. The best time for fall watering is about Thanksgiving.
Soil and Repotting
Dwarf azalea grow best in well drained soils that contain an abundance of organic matter. The addition of leaf mold, peat moss, or other organic matter will help almost all soils. They prefer acid soils with a pH of roughly 4.5-5.5. When planting, dig a hole twice the size of the root ball. Mix the excavated soil with soil amendments and place enough improved soil in the bottom of the hole so the top of the root ball is slightly higher than the surrounding soil. Fill the hole to the top, watering as you fill to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets. Allow the plant to establish itself in the new location before adding any fertilizer.
When properly grown, the plant can be transplanted successfully at any time of year if they are given special care in watering and protection from drying and freezing. The ideal time to transplant these plants is during their dormant season, either in the fall or early spring while temperatures are cool and soil moisture is plentiful.
Fertilizing
Avoid the excessive use of lime or alkaline fertilizers around azalea and rhododendron plants. If necessary, apply nitrogen fertilizers or mixtures (either organic or inorganic) containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium soon after flowering in the spring. Relative merits of an organic fertilizer as compared to a chemical fertilizer depend on whether the slow availability and less frequent application of the organic type can justify the extra cost. A light application of a fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants may be added to the surface before the mulch is applied. Fertilizing should be done in April or May, but don’t fertilize after July. Late summer fertilization may force out tender fall growth that will be killed by the winter.
Planting Instructions
Dwarf azalea is suited for planting in spring or fall. As a shrub, it takes a long time for the seeds to grow. Therefore, it is best to purchase seedlings or potted plants. If they are planted in the garden, make sure the distance between plants is 61 cm. Dig a planting pit with a diameter of three times that of the root ball of the dwarf azalea. The roots cannot be buried too deeply, and the root crown should be level with the ground. When the planting pit is half-filled with soil, water it once. When filling is completed, water it again.
Pruning
If new plants are selected properly, taking into consideration mature plant size and space to be filled, little pruning should be necessary. Remove dead and injured branches. If pruning is necessary, prune the plants soon after flowering to allow flower bud formation for the following year. “Dead-heading” is a pruning operation that involves removing spent flower clusters. It should be done annually.
The plants’ form can be improved by pinching out the soft, new shoots of vigorous growing plants. Do not pinch after July because flower buds will not have time to develop for the following year.
Propagation
Rhododendron atlanticum can be propagated by air layering or stem cuttings. They can self-propagate by sending up shoots from the roots. Sometimes an attached branch that has drooped to the ground will root in damp mulch, and the resulting rooted plant then can be cut off the parent rhododendron. Cuttings may be made at any time, but June to July cuttings seem most ideal for rooting azaleas, and August to September cuttings seem best for rhododendrons. Make cuttings 3 to 4 inches long, remove lower leaves, and place the cut end in the rooting medium. Equal parts of peat moss and clean sharp builder’s sand make an ideal rooting medium. After roots are formed, place the plants in pots or in a protected area and keep well watered.
Transplanting
Transplanting dwarf azalea is best done during mid-autumn to early winter, as this allows the plant ample time for root establishment before spring growth. Ensure it’s placed in a well-drained area, partially shaded from harsh afternoon sun. Take care not to bury the roots too deep to ensure healthy growth.
III. Uses and Benefits
Rhododendron atlanticum can be used in azalea breeding programs for its fragrance. Rhododendron atlanticum is a non-toxic species sometimes available in the nursery trade. This species is often used in landscaping because its fragrance attracts pollinators such as bees, butterflies and hummingbirds as well as it being a showy flower. This species has a medium tolerance to drought and fires, and requires cold stratification for germination. Rhododendron atlanticum produces pinkish-purple flowers in early spring.
IV. Harvesting and Storage
Collect the flowers of dwarf azalea for cut flowers, focusing on ones that have not yet fully bloomed. These flowers are both more beautiful and can be enjoyed for a longer period of time. Use a sharp knife to cut the bottom of the branch diagonally; this increases the area where the cut flower can absorb water. To extend bottle life, do not let the flowers receive direct sunlight. Change the water frequently and cut the bottom of the cut flower obliquely when changing water.
Find Where to Buy the Best Coastal Azalea (Rhododendron atlanticum)
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