Native Plants

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

rate this answer

Tuesday - February 24, 2015
From: New Egypt, NJ
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Plant Lists, Shrubs
Title: Companion Plants for Rhododendron periclymenoides
Answered by: Anne Van Nest
QUESTION:
Could you identify companion plants that work well with the pink azalea (Rhododendron periclymenoides)?ANSWER:
Pink azalea (Rhododendron periclymenoides) is a beautiful member of the Ericaceae (Heath Family) and grows to around 6 ft. It is deciduous shrub. Showy, delicate pink and white flowers occur in clusters before or with the new leaves in the spring (March to May depending on location). It is slightly more tolerant of dry sites (but is susceptible of scorch if too dry) than many other relatives but does prefer moist, acidic, well drained soil. At least half a day of sun is beneficial.
To find some suitable companion plants, look in the Native Plant Database and select the following search criteria...New Jersey, shrub, perennial, part shade, moist, and 3-6 feet.
There are several native shrubs that are good companions to the pink azalea that you might consider. These include:
Amelanchier stolonifera (running serviceberry)
Clethra alnifolia (coastal pepperbush)
Hibiscus moscheutos (crimsoneyed rosemallow) Note: This plant may be too coarse in texture to be a suitable companion.
Itea virginica (Virginia sweetspire)
Lonicera dioica (limber honeysuckle)
Rhododendron canadense (rhodora)
Symphoricarpos albus (common snowberry)
Symphoricarpos orbiculatus (coralberry)
Additional companions can be found by changing your search criteria to include subshrubs or herbaceous plants too.
From the Image Gallery
More Plant Lists Questions
Need low-maintenance plants for courtyard in full sun in Rhode Island
June 01, 2007 - I live in West Warwick, Rhode Island. I am designing a courtyard which because of its shape and design receives full sun all day. I am looking for flowers and plants which thrive in the sun yet are ...
view the full question and answer
Salt and flood tolerant plants for Brooklyn NY
June 20, 2013 - Hi, I am researching suitable plants for landscape architectural projects in the wake of New York City’s proposal for increased storm and climate change resilience. I am specifically looking at the ne...
view the full question and answer
Blue wildflowers for Massachusetts meadow garden
September 30, 2011 - I am restoring a 1980's era barn in Massachusetts. To celebrate the roll-out of the restored barn, I would like to plant wildflowers in the hayfield next to the barn (aprox. 3 acres). I would like ...
view the full question and answer
Salt tolerant plants for Long Beach
May 12, 2013 - When Hurricane Sandy hit Long Beach, it has killed all my plants and now almost all of Long Beach is left with dead dried brown vegetation. I want to replant front with bushes and flowers. What woul...
view the full question and answer
Plants for shade in Abilene TX
October 29, 2011 - I live in Abilene, Texas. I am trying to find the best plants to fill in an area on the North side of my home, which gets absolutely no sun. The area is sprinklered, and stays fairly moist. I really d...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |