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Rhododendron vaseyi (Pink-shell azalea)
Vick, Albert F. W.

Rhododendron vaseyi Gray

Pink-shell azalea, Pinkshell azalea

Ericaceae (Heath Family)

USDA Symbol: RHVA

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

A 5-15 ft. shrub with a slender-stemmed, open habit. The flowers are distinctive in that they appear before new leaves show either in the forest or on this azalea. Flowers lack the tube of most azaleas, so petals seem separate. Flowers color ranges from pink to pure white with a yellow throat. Medium-green foliage turns light- to dark-red in fall.

Pink-shell will not hybridize with other Rhododendron species. It is intolerant of drought.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Shrub
Fruit:
Size Class: 6-12 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Red
Bloom Time: Apr

Distribution

USA: MA , NC
Native Distribution: Mts. of NC
Native Habitat: High elevation heath meadows, bogs & spruce forests
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
Soil Description: Moist, well-drained soil.
Conditions Comments: Good cultural practices reduce the incidence of disease and insect damage. Pinkshell will not hybridize with other Rhododendron species. Intolerant of drought.

Value to Beneficial Insects

Special Value to Bumble Bees

This information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.

Propagation

Description: Combine seeds loosely with sphagnum moss and sprinkle lightly over a 2:1 perlite/peat mixture. Germinate under mist or a plastic tent. Optimum temperatures for germination are 45-50 degrees. Transplant seedlings to acid soil with a high content of orga
Seed Treatment: No pretreatment is necessary.
Commercially Avail: yes

From the National Suppliers Directory

According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:

Edge of the Woods Native Plant Nursery - Orefield, PA
LAMTREE FARM - Warrensville, NC
American Native Nursery - Quakertown, PA

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:

Delaware Nature Society - Hockessin, DE

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Rhododendron vaseyi in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Rhododendron vaseyi in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Rhododendron vaseyi

Metadata

Record Modified: 2007-01-01
Research By: TWC Staff

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