Mountain Azalea (Rhododendron canescens) enchants gardeners with its sweetly fragrant clusters of pale pink trumpet-shaped blossoms, often appearing in late spring before the leaves fully emerge. These showy blooms create a delicate, airy display that easily brightens shady corners or woodland edges. Reaching around 6 to 8 feet tall (sometimes up to 15 feet), this native azalea stands out for its velvety dark green leaves, which often develop a warm red or burgundy tone in autumn. The combination of enticing scent, striking petals, and attractive foliage sets it apart from more common ornamental shrubs.
In addition to its appealing appearance, Mountain Azalea shows remarkable adaptability to partial shade and moisture-retentive, acidic soil. It comes from the southeastern United States, where it inhabits moist woodland areas and stream sides. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds flock to its early-season nectar, while deer are less likely to feed on its foliage. Whether used in mass plantings, as a focal point in shade gardens, or tucked among other woodland species, this deciduous azalea excels in bringing height and charm with minimal fuss. The overall effect is a garden space filled with gentle beauty and wildlife activity.
Mountain Azalea Care
Select a site with dappled sunlight or partial shade, as harsh afternoon rays may scorch the foliage. The soil should be acidic, rich in organic matter, and drain well—amend heavy or dense ground before planting. Water regularly during the establishment phase, particularly in dry spells; afterward, consistent moisture promotes healthy growth. An acid-specific fertilizer applied in early spring supports bud formation and vigorous foliage. Spread a layer of mulch to keep the shallow roots cool and help the soil remain evenly moist.
Prune right after flowering to shape the shrub or remove any damaged branches. Because Mountain Azalea sets next year’s buds in summer, avoid cutting back too late, or you’ll reduce future blooms. If desired, mild thinning encourages airflow and may improve bloom quality. Container cultivation is possible but requires careful watering and occasional root checks for crowding.
Mountain Azalea Spacing
For a natural, airy hedge, plant shrubs about 4 to 6 feet apart, allowing their crowns to eventually overlap. If you prefer individual spacing in a more open design, keep at least 6 feet between them so each plant’s architecture is clearly visible. In container settings, start with a pot at least 16 inches across to accommodate the shallow root system, moving to larger sizes as the shrub matures.
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Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
4.5" Pot
Also Known As:
4.5" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
Volume:
1.42 quarts
Quart Pot
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
2.5 Quart
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
#1 Pot
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
#2 Pot
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
#3 Pot
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addicts Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts always guarantees your plant(s) will arrive happy & healthy. However, plant(s) are being shipped through the mail & sometimes accidents happen. If the plant is dead, has dried out roots or the incorrect item was shipped, just notify Plant Addicts within 3 days upon delivery. We may ask for pictures but will try to make it as easy as possible for you. Please note, plant(s) with damaged branches or wilted leaves will not qualify for this guarantee. Plants are very resilient and will rebound quickly when cared for correctly.
For more information on how to care for your new plants, please click on our guide below.
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
We encourage all plant lovers to purchase the Plant Addicts Warranty, whether you're a new gardener or an expert. There are many variables outside of anyone's control that can cause a plant to die. Hungry animals, drought, poor soil conditions, over watering, diseases & pests are all good examples of what can cause plants to die. The Plant Addicts Warranty is a 1 year warranty protecting you from all of the unknowns and will replace your plant if something were to happen to it.
The warranty is purchased on a per plant basis and must be purchased at the same time as the plant(s). We will cover 100% of the price of the plant, but the warranty does not cover shipping costs. SImply let us know if your plant has died within 1 year of receiving it and we will get you a new one shipped out as soon as possible (depending on the time of the year and availability). We may ask for photos for documentation purposes, but we try to make the process as easy as possible.
For more information, please click on our page below.
Plant Shipping
Below are some factors we consider when determining when to ship the plants depending on the timing of the order.
Winter to Early Spring
We ship only when it's warm enough to plant in your growing zone.
Sometimes plants aren't completely ready to sell and ship in early spring. We will wait until the plants are ready before shipping so you don't get a subpar product.
For Southern plants we will be able to ship much earlier than plants coming from our northern nursery.
Summer
If there is extreme heat we may delay shipping for a week or several weeks.
We review what areas the plants are traveling through as well as your location.
Fall into Winter
We’ll ship plants out all the way up to the end of the fall planting season!
Winter
Get your order in early to reserve your plants for Spring planting!
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an automated email with tracking information.
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Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations