Common Name(s): Pinkshell azalea Botanical Name: Rhododendron vaseyi Type: Deciduous Shrub Hardiness: USDA zones 5 to 9 Light Requirements: Partial shade to dappled shade Water Requirements: High Bloom Colors: White and pink Bloom Period: Early spring Height: 10 to 15 feet Spacing: 10 to 15 feet Description: This small tree or shrub is native to a small portion of the Eastern United States and among the most beautiful of our indigenous species; R. vaseyi is among the first to bloom in early spring. Flowers appear before plants leaf out for the season. The showy, 1-1/2 inch blooms blushed with rosy pink are held in terminal clusters of 5-7 flowers. The species is noted for their long funnel shaped blooms and five exerted stamens. Branching shrubs have an upright habit when young but spread to fill an area nearly comparable to their height. Smooth, leathery leaves are obovate to elliptical and span 1 to 7 inches in length and about 1/3 the width. Young leaves emerge light green, mature to deep green with blue-grey undersides and provide additional late season interest with hues of gold, burgundy and copper as temperatures cool. Uses: Woodland gardens, understory plantings, specimen planting. Plants are endemic to ravines, bogs and stream banks where soils have moderate to high acidity. Plant in full sun to dappled shade with consistently moist but well-drained soil. Growth with be slow and performance poor in soils with low acidity. Germination Requirements: Germination occurs in 2-3 weeks under warm, moist conditions. Sow fresh or refrigerate until use. Germination rates are commonly between 30-50% with this species.

• Seeds per packet: 30

Seeds per packet: 30