Ericaceae
Western azalea
Rhododendron occidentale
Also known as Rhododendron occidentale var. californicum, Rhododendron occidentale var. sonomense, Azalea occidentalis, Western rhododendron
Flowering Plants · Native Plants · Trees & Shrubs · Azalea · Rhododendron · Native · Shrub · Fragrant · Deciduous · California Native · Spring Bloomer · Acidic Soil · Pollinator
Western azalea is a stunning deciduous shrub native to California and Oregon, prized for its fragrant white to pink blooms in late spring. Plant in acidic, well-drained but moisture-retentive soil in dappled shade, and mulch generously to keep roots cool and moist. Avoid overwatering and never allow roots to sit in standing water, as this shrub is sensitive to root rot.
Growing conditions
The details behind the basics
- Daily light
- 4 hours
- Watering
- Water deeply until soil is evenly moist; allow the top 1-2 inches to dry slightly between waterings · Every 7-10 days
- Maintenance
- Moderate
- Soil
- loam
- Soil pH
- 4.5–6.5
- Temperature
- -25°F to 95°F
- Cycle
- Perennial
- Propagation
- Seed
Hardiness
USDA 4b-9b
Form & growth
Mature size and habit
- Mature height
- 10 ft – 30 ft
- Spread
- 15 ft
- Spacing
- 60 in apart
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Root depth
- Medium
- Flowers
- Mixed
- Foliage
- Green · Coarse
Ecology & origin
Where it belongs and what it brings
- Native to
- California, Oregon
- Attracts
- Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Sources: trefle, usda
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