Gardens of The Blue Ridge Inc.

Native Azaleas

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Native Azaleas

Some Basic Information On Native Azaleas

These are one of natures pure beauties and are a must for any landscape. They prefer a organic soil that is moist but well drained and slightly acid. Their root systems are very shallow often growing just below the soil line so when planting these do not plant them too deep as they will not survive. Plant them a little high and then put some light mulch around the top of the ball. most problems we see with these in the landscape when we go around and look at dead plants it is because it is either planted too deep or has too much mulch around them. As far as exposure, you see these mostly in deciduous woods where they get early spring sun then shade during the summer months. With that said in most climates they will take a few hours of direct sun, preferably morning sun, which will help them stay a more compact plant with more blooms. In real deep shade they will tend to get leggy and tall as they reach for sunlight and they will have less blooms, so if you do not have an area with morning sun light dappled shade is best under deciduous trees. All of ours are grow from seed so each variety will have some variation in the shade of color, like the Flame Azalea, most will be orange in color with some being a lighter color and some a little darker, very rarely do we get a red or yellow color. Hope this information helps as you make your selections. If you plan it right you can have a different variety blooming every month April through June.

Rhododendron arborescens    Smooth Azalea

This is by far one of the best of the deciduous native azaleas. Has white flowers, which have the fragrance of Honeysuckle, in the summer. When this becomes a large shrub and is in full bloom you can smell it form a great distance, it is fantastic. This is the latest blooming native Azalea we carry it blooms in the summer, which is usually June here at the Nursery. It does like a little extra moisture if possible, but will also grow in drier soils.

Semi – shade, Rich Moist Soil, Summer, 6-12 ft Tall, Zones 5-8

VERY LIMITED SUPPLY

This is probably the most commonly seen Azalea in the mountains of N.C. It is deciduous and has bright orange flowers, which appear just after the leaves appear in the late spring. The flower shades will vary from light orange to dark orange depending on soil,sun,exposure, and many other factors. It puts on a beautiful show in a semi- shaded area. It is very tolerant of warmer climates.

Semi-Shade, Rich Soil, Spring, 6-8 ft Tall, Zones 5-8

Rhododendron canescens – Piedmont Azalea, Hoary Azalea

Has beautiful pink flowers that appear in early spring before the leaves appear making quite a show. The flower color can vary from a deeper pink to almost a white and the bloom has a nice fragrance. This plant can often be confused with the Pinxter Azalea as they have similar flowers. It is more of a southern species thriving in zones 6-9. Great for attracting hummingbirds, bees and butterflies and has rusty red foliage in the fall.
Sun to Semi-Sun, Moist Rich Soil, Spring, Pink Flowers, 10 to 15’ Tall, Zones 6-9

Rhododendron cumberlandense (bakeri) – Cumberland Azalea

This species is often confused with the Flame Azalea although there are several differences. This species blooms 2 to 3 weeks later than the Flame Azalea and the flowers are usually deeper orange and red colors and the flowers are a little smaller. The plant also tends to have a more horizontal growth giving it a more compact and wider growth habit. Gets its common name from the area that it appears naturally in which is the Cumberland Plateau in Kentucky. Give it rich moist soil and protect from the hot summer sun and it will perform beautifully in your landscape.
Shade to Semi-Shade, Moist Rich Soil, late Spring, Orange Flowers, 4 to 8’ Tall, Zones 5-8

Rhododendron periclymenoides    Pinxter Flower Azalea

Semi-Shade to Sun, Rich Soil, Spring, 8-15 ft Tall, Zones 5-8

Rhododendron prunifolium – Plumleaf Azalea

One of the latest Native Azaleas to bloom has deep orange to vivid red 1 ½ to 2” flowers in the late Summer. While it is not fragrant it is great for attracting Hummingbirds. It has an upright and open growth habit reaching a height of 8 to 12 feet tall. Protect it from the hot afternoon sun and give it a moist but well drained soil. The later bloom period makes it a great addition to your landscape.
Shade to Semi-Shade, Moist Well Drained, late Summer, Deep Orange to Red, 8 to 12’ Tall, Zones 5-9

Rhododendron vaseyi   Pink Shell Azalea

The earliest blooming of the Native Azaleas, blooms in the spring before any of the leaves appear which really makes the blooms stand out. Most of these are a light pink but you will see some that are a little darker and once in awhile you will see a white one. Natively these are seen a thigh elevations in the Blue Ridge Mountains but we have many customers that have these way down into Alabama, so they are very adaptable. The leaves are larger that most other Azaleas and are a deep shiny green and then they turn a bright red in the fall. Give this some sun and it will stay compact and be full of blooms and put on a great spring show.

Semi-Shade to Sun, Rich Soil, Spring, 6-12 ft Tall, Zones 4-7

Native Evergreen Rhododendrons

Rhododendron carolinianum   Carolina Rhododendron, Punctatum

This is an evergreen variety that has light pink flowers early in the spring. This is the first evergreen Rhododendron to bloom in the spring. The leaves are dark green and are smaller than the other evergreen Rhodo’s. Likewise the blooms are smaller but are very numerous and make a real show in the early spring. Very tolerant of different conditions and a reliable bloomer year after year.

Semi- Shade, Rich Soil, Spring, 4-8 ft Tall, Zones 5-8

Rhododendron catawbiense   Red Laurel, Red Rhododendron

This is an evergreen variety that blooms late spring to early summer. The blooms are not red contrary to the common name, they are lavender. Do not try to grow this one in hot climates, it will not survive. It does love cold weather and will withstand harsh winter winds. Will tolerate some sun in cool climates. Must have very rich moist, but well drained, soil.

Sun to Semi-Shade, Rich Soil, Spring to Summer, 6-15 ft Tall, Zones 3-7

Shade to Semi-Shade, Rich Moist Soil, Summer, 10-25 ft Tall, Zones 4-8

Native Shrubs

Calycanthus floridus    Sweetshrub, Bubby Bush

An old time favorite with fragrant maroon flowers in the late spring to early summer. Has large dark shiny green leaves, which make this an attractive plant when not in bloom. Will grow in varied conditions which include sun or shade, but the best spot in semi-shade with rich slightly moist soil. It will send off underground runners and will form a large clump over time with many blooms. While the blooms are fragrant you will have to get pretty close to appreciate them.
Sun to Shade, Rich Moist Soil, 4-8 ft Tall, Zones 4-9

Clethra alnifolia   Summersweet

Has very fragrant white flowers in the summer. Leaves are dark green, which turn yellow in the fall. A great plant for mid summer flowers and does not get much taller than 4 feet. Will spread by underground runners and make a nice large shrub in a few short years. Give it about a 1/4 to 1/2 day of sun for it to really do its best.

Sun to Shade, Moist to Dry Soil, Summer, 3-5 ft Tall, Zones 3-9

Cytisus scoparius   Scotchbroom

This plant really puts on a show in the spring with its bright yellow flowers on the green barked stems, always in bloom here at the nursery on Mothers Day. After it flowers the small green leaves appear. It flowers profusely when in full sun often lasting 4-6 weeks. The branches also make good greenery when cut and brought in around Christmas time.

Sun, Well Drained Soil, spring, 4-6 ft Tall, Zones 6-8

Hypericum prolificum   St. Johnswort

Has numerous small yellow flowers in the summer, which really attract the bumblebees. Will tolerate varied conditions, from sun to semi – shade and dry soil to wet sunny areas. This shrub keeps a uniform look without any pruning. Will spread by underground roots.

Sun to Semi – shade, Moist to Dry Soil, Summer, 3-5 ft Tall, Zones 4-8

Ilex verticillata   Winterberry

Most noted for its bright red berries which will hang on for most of the winter and are great for cutting and using in your Christmas decorations. Has oval shaped bright green leaves that turn yellow in the fall and then black after first frost. In the wild these are most often found along creek banks where it is moist and the soil is rich. they will also tolerate drier conditions. Give them at leat a 1/2 day of sun to produce plenty of red berries. You will also need a male and a female for them to produce the berries.

Semi- shade, Moist Soil, Winter, 4-6 ft Tall, Zones 3-9

Kalmia latifolia       Mountain Laurel

This shrub is evergreen, leaves are dark green and shiny, and much smaller than that of the Rhododendron. Has numerous small pink flowers in the late spring. Will grow in varied conditions, sun in cooler climates and shade in warmer climates. Soil should be rich and slightly acid, and it will grow well in dry soils.

Sun to Shade, Rich Soil, Spring, 8-12 ft Tall, Zones 5-9

 Leucothoe fontanesiana    Drooping Leucothoe

An evergreen shrub with dark green shiny leaves which turn maroon in the winter, in sunny locations. They are often cut and brought in for greenery during the winter. Has numerous white flowers in the spring that hang down beneath the stems. Does best in a moist shady location with rich soil. Stays low only reaching heights of 3-5 ft tall. Great for mass plantings.

Shade to Semi – shade, Rich Moist Soil, Spring, 3-5 ft Tall, Zones 4-9

Rubus odoratus   Flowering Raspberry

Has large light green leaves that resemble a maple leaf. The flowers are purple and appear in the summer and the bumblebees love them. Has a light red fruit that is edible, but maybe a little tart tasting, Will spread and make a large colony. Will tolerate quite a bit of shade.

Shade to Semi – Shade, Rich Soil, Summer, 3-6 ft Tall, Zones 4-9

Sambucus Canadensis  Elderberry

Deciduous shrub, which spreads by underground runners. Has creamy white flowers in the summer, which turn into a dark purple fruit in the late summer. Does best in moist to damp soils and full sun. It is great for attracting butterflies when in bloom then in the fall the birds love the berries. If you can beat the birds to them the berries make good jam and also was used to make Elderberry Wine.

Shade to Semi- Shade, Rich Moist Soil, Summer, 3-8 ft Tall, Zones 4-9

Vaccinium vacillans - Blueberry

This variety has small blueberries that have a great taste. It must have very acid soil to thrive, pH should be around 4.5, and give it full sun to produce more berries. Will spread by underground runners.

Sun, Acid Soil, Summer, 2-7 ft Tall, Zones 5-8

Viburnum dentatum   Arrowood Viburnum

A deciduous shrub that has beautiful white flowers in the spring and blue berries in the fall. The berries are good for attracting wildlife. The dark green leaves turn yellowish to red in the fall. Will grow in full sun in cooler climates.

Sun to Semi-Shade, Rich Moist Soil, Spring, 5-15 ft Tall, Zones 2-8

A small shrub that spreads readily by underground runners. Flowers are a brownish color that droop. Works well in shady wet spots where it will naturalize quickly.

Shade to Semi-Shade, Rich Moist Soil, Spring, 1-3 ft Tall, Zones 5-9

Celastrus scandens -  American Bittersweet

A deciduous twining vine that has pods of orange colored berries in the early fall. Often used for fall decorations. Needs something sturdy to climb. Also you must have a male and female to produce berries.

THESE WILL BE SHIPPED AFTER THEY BLOOM SO WE CAN DETERMINE THE SEX OF THE PLANT.

Sun or Shade, Average Soil, 10-25 ft Tall, Zones 4-8

Native Trees

Amelanchier arborea laevis    Serviceberry

This tree makes a beautiful show in the early spring with its white flowers. In the fall it has red berries which really attracts the birds. A slow to medium growing tree, usually seen as an under story tree in the woods. Given more sun it will flower more profusely.

These are more Shrub type plants, as in they have mulitple stems.

Sun to Shade, Rich to Average Soils, 20-45 ft Tall, Zones 4-9

Oxydendrum arboreum    Sourwood Tree

By far one of the showiest native trees we offer. Has slightly fragrant white flowers in the summer, they resemble Lily-of-the-valley. The green leaves turn a bright red in the fall, usually turning before any other trees. This tree is a must for your landscape. Will tolerate dry poor soils and Full Sun.

Sun to Semi-shade, Average Soil, Summer, 20-30 ft Tall, Zones 5-8

Populus tremuloides    Quaking Aspen

Fast growing deciduous tree reaching heights of 50 feet. Has rounded finely toothed leaves, which turn yellow in the fall. The leaves flutter in the lightest breeze giving it its common name. These spread by underground runners often forming large colonies.

Sun, Average Soil, 25-50 ft Tall, Zones 2-9

Aesculus pavia    Red Buckeye

A deciduous tree reaching heights of 15-25 feet. Dark lustrous green leaves that drop in the late summer. Red spike flowers appear in the spring. Hummingbirds and bees love the flowers.

Sun to Semi – shade, Rich Moist Soil, 15-25 ft Tall, Zones 5-8

Has white bell shaped flowers in the summer. The bark is striped with gray, more prominent when the tree is young. Will grow in shade but blooms much better in the sun. Has an open type growth habit.

Sun to Semi – shade, Summer, 20-40 ft Tall, Zones 5-8

Robinia hispida  Fuzzy Locust

A very pretty low growing tree that has purple flowers in the summer. Does not have sharp thorns as regular Locust Trees do. It will spread by underground runners so give this tree some room to naturalize.

Sun, Average Soil, Summer, 3-5 ft Tall, Zones 5-8

Hamamelis virginiana   Witch Hazel

Has yellow flowers in the late fall to early winter after the leaves have fallen off. The leaves are heart shaped with wavy borders, and then turn yellow in the fall. A great understory tree grows slow and not too tall about like a dogwood tree. the yellow flowers in the fall makes this native tree quite unique.

Semi – shade, Rich Soil, Fall, 10-20 ft Tall, Zones 3-8