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.
Description
Rhododendron atlanticum is a compact, loosely branched, deciduous shrub that typically grows to be two to three feet tall at maturity but can grow up to six feet, and is two to three feet wide. It is a deciduous shrub 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.
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Rhododendron atlanticum, Longwood Gardens 2023 03.jpg|Shrub
Rhododendron atlanticum, Longwood Gardens 2023 02.jpg|Flowers
Rhododendron atlanticum 0zz.jpg|Fall foliage
Rhododendron atlanticum 'Choptank River Strain' - Arnold Arboretum - DSC06703.JPG|'Choptank River Strain'
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Distribution and habitat
Rhododendron atlanticum is found in upland woods, on bluffs, stream banks and open sandy woods.
Taxonomy
Rhododendron atlanticum has nine synonyms listed below: This species has a medium tolerance to drought and fires, and requires cold stratification for germination. Rhododendron atlanticum produce pinkish-purple flowers in early spring.
Hybridization
The two species that create a hybrid form as a response to herbivory from leaf beetles are Rhododendron periclymenoides and R. atlanticum. Candy Lights is an ornamental hybrid that uses R. atlanticum as a parent plant.