Rhododendron viscosum aka Clammy Azalea

Taxonomy

Rhododendron viscosum, commonly known as the swamp azalea, clammy azalea, or swamp honeysuckle, is a flowering plant belonging to the heath family Ericaceae. This deciduous shrub is native to the eastern United States and can reach a height and width of 2.5 meters (8.2 feet). It features rounded matt green leaves and in early summer, it produces fragrant, funnel-shaped white flowers with a pink flush. These flowers are notable for their prominent stamens. Cultivated in the UK, Rhododendron viscosum has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's prestigious Award of Garden Merit. While it can withstand temperatures as low as -20 °C (-4 °F), it prefers a sheltered spot with dappled shade and acid soil enriched with leaf mold, which is typical for most rhododendron species. This bushy deciduous shrub has dark leaves with a glaucous underside. Its narrowly funnel-shaped white flowers, measuring up to 4cm wide, open in early to mid-summer and exhibit a deep pink hue on the tube. Notably, Rhododendron viscosum serves as a habitat for the specialized bee Andrena cornelli and is also tolerant of rabbit damage.

Common names

Clammy Azalea, Swamp Azalea, Swamp Honeysuckle

How to care for Clammy Azalea

Difficulty

Clammy Azalea is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

Clammy Azalea should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Clammy Azalea loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Clammy Azalea requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Clammy Azalea will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Humidity

The Clammy Azalea does not necessitate supplementary humidity. Plants primarily absorb water through their roots, rather than their leaves. Hence, the most effective way to supply humidity to your plants is by watering the soil.

Fertilizer

The growth of Clammy Azalea is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Clammy Azalea’s native range is Asia and North America.


More info:
Wikipedia