Coastal Azalea
Rhododendron atlanticum
Low, spreading azalea with intensely sweet May flowers that open before the leaves. Forms loose colonies along shaded paths.
Typically 1 quart–3 gal · $17–$85 · final price at pickup
- Thu, Aug 138 AM – 4 PM
- Fri, Aug 148 AM – 4 PM
- Sat, Aug 158 AM – 2 PM
The most fragrant native azalea, low enough for front borders, and tougher than it looks.
Coastal azalea is the low, spreading native azalea of the Atlantic coastal plain, and the fragrance alone is worth the price of admission. In May, white to pale pink flowers with long stamens open before the leaves fully emerge, releasing a sweet, penetrating scent that carries across the garden on still evenings. Stop near one in bloom and you'll understand why people drive to see these in the wild. It spreads slowly by stolons to form loose, natural colonies, never aggressive, but gradually filling in under an open tree canopy or along a shaded path. The low form means it fits in spots where taller azaleas would be too much. Fall color is soft yellow. This is a quiet, rewarding plant that announces itself once a year in the most memorable way.
A nursery-grown plant, ready for the ground.
Healthy, container-grown coastal azalea propagated on-site at Hill House from regional genetics. Includes a one-page care card. We make every effort to supply plants as listed; occasionally we substitute a similar species of equal value.
- Sun
- Part sun
- Water
- Average
- Mature size
- 1.5–3 ft · 36–72 in wide
- Bloom time
- May
- USDA zones
- 5–9
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Native range
- Atlantic coastal plain from Delaware to South Carolina and Georgia
Care notes for coastal azalea.
Moist, acidic, sandy or loamy soil in part shade to full sun. Tolerates dry sandy conditions better than most native azaleas once established. Minimal pruning. this azalea's spreading habit is part of its character, not a problem to manage. Mulch with pine bark or shredded leaves to maintain soil acidity.
Pairs well with these.
Same light, same soil, same wildlife. Janet's picks to plant alongside coastal azalea.
Or skip the guesswork.
Curated packages bundle complementary species for an instant habitat. One reservation, one pickup day, a printed layout map.
Short on Space Package
For gardeners who have an abundance of passion but are short on space, this package features tidy, upright, clump-forming natives that behave and function well in small spaces.
Shade Bed Package
Ferns, sedges, and woodland natives that thrive under existing trees.
Birder’s Paradise Package
For the avid bird watchers and budding ornithologists in our community, the Birder’s Paradise Package consists of species that Hill House Nursery staff and longtime native plant advocates such as Doug Tallamy consider ‘premier bird garden plants’.