Swamp Azalea

Swamp Azalea may not be the most appealing name, but this stunning plant makes a beautiful addition to a yard or landscape. Trumpet-shaped flowers have narrow white to pink petals and appear from mid-June to July. Shiny green foliage has rounded ends and slightly curves at the midrib. The leaves turn a striking shade of red during the fall. Also known as Azalea viscosum, this plant thrives in damp conditions, making this an excellent perennial to feature in areas with poor drainage or prone to flooding. Feature this shrub in beds, borders, or mass plantings. The Swamp Azalea has some height and features an upright, spreading growth habit, so it looks lovely as a border or natural divider. Since this plant can handle damp conditions, feature it along a wooded area, bog, or swampy area. Native to the eastern U.S., this plant grows as a perennial in USDA zones 4 through 8. Butterflies and hummingbirds feed on the sweet-smelling blooms. Swamp Azalea Care This plant needs full sun to partial shade, but the right location will have more shade than light. While this plant prefers consistently damp soil and can handle temporary flooding, it does not like permanent standing water. Soil should be rich, acidic, and moist but well-drained. Deadhead the plant to encourage more prolific blooming. Azaleas maintain a pleasing shape naturally, but the plant can be trimmed as needed after the blooms die. Feed the plant using a balanced fertilizer in the spring. You can also test the soil to determine the pH and apply an acidic fertilizer if the soil pH is too high. Swamp Azalea Spacing Swamp Azalea will grow 8 to 10 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide, making this upright shrub rather large. Create a hedge or mass planting by spacing shrubs 5 to 7 feet apart.