Swamp Azalea

Rhododendron viscosum

$68⁰⁰

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Find your Growing Zone

Plant Size

#2 Container

Product variants

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Understanding Plant Options

Nature Hills offers plants in two main formats:

Container Plants: Grown in pots with soil, sized by container volume and plant age
Bare Root Plants: Dormant plants without soil, sized by height measurements

Container Plant Sizes

Container sizes indicate plant age and growing capacity rather than liquid volume equivalents. Our containers follow industry-standard nursery "trade gallon" specifications, which differ from standard liquid gallon measurements.

Young Plants (6 months to 18 months old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
2" x 2" x 3"	0.18 - 0.21 dry quarts	0.20 - 0.23 dry liters
4" Container	0.31 - 0.87 dry quarts	0.35 - 0.96 dry liters
4.5" Container	0.65 dry quarts	0.72 dry liters
6" Container	1.4 dry quarts	1.59 dry liters
1 Quart	1 dry quart	1.1 dry liters
5.5" Container	1.89 dry quarts	2.08 dry liters

Established Plants (18 months to 2.5 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
2 Quart	2 dry quarts	2.2 dry liters
#1 Container	2.26 - 3.73 dry quarts	2.49 - 4.11 dry liters
5" x 5" x 12"	3.5 - 4.3 dry quarts	3.85 - 4.74 dry liters

Mature Plants (2-4 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
#2 Container	1.19 - 1.76 dry gallons	5.24 - 7.75 dry liters
#3 Container	2.15 - 2.76 dry gallons	8.14 - 12.16 dry liters

Large Plants (3-5 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
#5 Container	2.92 - 4.62 dry gallons	12.86 - 20.35 dry liters
#6 Container	5.25 - 6.01 dry gallons	23.12 - 26.42 dry liters
#7 Container	5.98 - 6.53 dry gallons	26.34 - 28.76 dry liters

Bare Root Plants

Bare root plants are sold by height from the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may exceed minimum height requirements.

Common Sizes:

Trees: 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet
Shrubs & Perennials: 1 foot, 18 inches, 2 feet

Important Notes

Container Volume Specifications

Trade Gallon Standard: Our containers follow industry-standard "trade gallon" specifications established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z60.1) for nursery stock
Volume Variations: Actual soil volume may vary due to plant root systems and growing medium settlement
Age Indicators: Container size primarily indicates plant age and maturity rather than liquid volume equivalents

Growing Conditions

Plant size can vary based on variety and growing conditions
Container size helps indicate plant maturity and establishment level
Larger containers generally mean more established root systems and faster landscape establishment

Seasonal Availability

Bare root plants are available seasonally when dormant
Container plants are available throughout the growing season
Specific varieties may have limited availability in certain sizes

Questions?

For questions about specific plant sizes or availability, please contact our plant experts who can help you choose the right size for your landscape needs.

Plant Profile & Growing Essentials

Cold hardy, Native, Flowering, Fragrant, Wet Soils, Attracts pollinators, and Container Friendly

Specifications

Botanical Name

Rhododendron viscosum
Height

3-5 ft
Width

3-5 ft
Growing Zones

4-9
Sunlight
- Partial shade
Growth Rate

Moderate
Flower Color
- White
Leaf Color
- Green
- Yellow
- Orange
- Red
Fall Color

Orange
Native

Yes
Pollinator Friendly

Yes
Bloom Period

Late Spring, Early Summer
Fragrant

Yes
Does Not Ship To

AK, HI, ID, MT, OR

Planting & Care Instructions

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Aim for at least 4 to 6 hours of direct morning sun, followed by light afternoon shade. While the Swamp Azalea can handle full sun, intense afternoon exposure in hot climates may cause leaf scorch unless the soil remains extremely wet. The benefit of more sun is a denser habit and the best bloom production, provided you maintain high soil moisture.
Soil: This native demands highly acidic soil, ideally with a pH between 4.5 and 6.0, that is rich in organic matter and consistently moist. If you are dealing with heavy clay, amend the planting area deeply with peat moss and aged pine bark fines to ensure aeration and drainage. For sandy soil, mix in a liberal amount of compost to help the root zone retain the moisture this plant loves.

Watering Requirements

For the first year, treat it like a thirsty plant and keep the root zone saturated, simulating its native bog habitat while ensuring there is no stagnant standing water. A mature Swamp Azalea is not truly drought tolerant, and inconsistent watering during the summer is a stressor that will result in smaller blooms and potential leaf scorch or drop. Plan to give this variety a deep, generous drink weekly, or more often during heat waves, to keep it happy.

Pruning Tips

The Swamp Azalea blooms on old wood, which means the flower buds for the following season are set shortly after this year’s flowers fade. Therefore, the best time to prune is immediately after flowering finishes in late spring or early summer, well before mid-July. Simply remove the oldest, weakest canes at the base to rejuvenate the plant, or lightly snip back leggy tips for shaping. Pruning any later in the year will remove next season’s beautiful, fragrant flower buds.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a slow-release granular fertilizer formulated specifically for acid-loving plants, such as an Azalea/Rhododendron formula or Holly-tone, in early spring just before new growth appears. This timing ensures the nutrients are available as the plant wakes up, encouraging vigorous development. What to avoid: Do not apply high-nitrogen lawn fertilizer near the root zone, as it can burn the shallow roots and raise the soil pH, which negatively impacts flower production and overall health.

Growing Zones 4-9

Find Your Growing Zone!

Swamp Azalea – Fragrant, Late-Blooming Native

A fragrant native beauty for wetland gardens! The Swamp Azalea (Rhododendron viscosum) is a stunning, deciduous native shrub that thrives in moist environments, making it perfect for wetland gardens, rain gardens, and naturalized landscapes.

Blooming from late spring into summer, this Azalea stands out with its elegantly tubular, pure white to pale pink flowers, which release a sweet, spicy-clove fragrance that fills the air. As autumn arrives, its lush green foliage transforms into brilliant shades of orange, yellow, and red, adding another layer of seasonal beauty!

Cold-hardy, pollinator-friendly, and well-adapted to wet soils, the native Swamp Azalea is an excellent choice for both natural and formal landscapes. Growing throughout USDA planting zones 4 to 9, these are highly adaptable shrubs!

Why You’ll Love Swamp Azalea

Fragrant Summer Blooms – Exquisite white to pale pink flowers appear from late spring to mid-summer, emitting a spicy-sweet fragrance!
Attracts Pollinators – A favorite nectar source for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Brilliant Fall Foliage – Lush green leaves turn fiery shades of orange, red, and yellow in autumn.
Moisture-Loving & Rain Garden Ready – Thrives in boggy, wet soils, making it ideal for rain gardens, pond edges, and wetlands.
Compact & Versatile – Grows 3-5 feet tall and wide, making it a great mid-sized landscape shrub. When grown in their favorite element, these variable native shrubs can get larger.

Where To Plant Swamp Azalea

As a moisture-loving native, this Azalea thrives in areas where other plants may struggle:

Rain Gardens & Wetlands – Perfect for low-lying, damp areas where water collects.
Pond & Stream Edges – Naturalizes beautifully along ponds, creeks, and marshy landscapes.
Woodland & Shade Gardens – Thrives in filtered sunlight under tall trees.
Native & Pollinator Gardens – Supports butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, providing an essential nectar source.
Mixed Shrub Borders – Pairs well with Native Ferns, Hollies, and other native wetland plants.
Mass Plantings & Naturalized Areas – Creates a lush, fragrant display when planted in groups.

Care & Maintenance

This hardy, moisture-loving Azalea requires little maintenance once established.

Sunlight: Prefers partial shade to full sun; best flowering occurs in filtered light.
Soil: Requires moist, acidic, well-draining soil; thrives in boggy and wet conditions.
Watering: Swamp Azaleas love consistent moisture and do not tolerate dry soil for extended periods.
Mulching: Apply a 3-4 inch layer of mulch to retain moisture and keep roots cool.
Pruning: Minimal pruning is needed, trim lightly after flowering to maintain shape.
Fertilizing: Use an acid-loving plant fertilizer in early spring for best growth.
Cold Hardy & Resilient – Thrives in both cold winters and hot, humid summers.
Deer & Rabbit Resistant – Less appealing to browsing wildlife, ensuring strong growth in natural settings.

Bring Fragrance & Natural Beauty to Your Garden with Swamp Azalea!

With its heavenly-scented blooms, brilliant fall foliage, and ability to thrive in wet conditions, the Swamp Azalea is a perfect addition to rain gardens, woodland edges, and natural landscapes. This native, easy-care shrub not only enhances your garden with seasonal beauty but also supports essential pollinators.

Order yours at Nature Hills Nursery today and enjoy the sweet fragrance and stunning seasonal display of Swamp Azalea in your landscape!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does Swamp Azalea stay evergreen?
No, it is a Deciduous Azalea, meaning it loses its leaves in winter but returns with fresh growth in spring.

Can Swamp Azaleas grow in dry soil?
No, Swamp Azalea thrives in moist, even wet soils and does not tolerate extended drought.

When does it bloom?
It blooms later than most Azaleas, producing fragrant white to pale pink flowers from late spring to mid-summer.

What type of soil does it prefer?
It needs acidic, well-draining, moist to wet soil, making it an excellent choice for rain gardens and boggy areas.

Is it deer and rabbit-resistant?
Yes, deer and rabbits tend to avoid this plant due to its foliage texture and mild toxicity.

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

Swamp Azalea

Rhododendron viscosum

Plant Sentry™

Delivery and Shipping

Specifications