Common Name: Varnadoe’s Phlox Pink Piedmont Azalaea
Botanical Name: Rhododendron canescens ‘Varnadoe Phlox Pink’
Plant family: Ericaceae
Location: Art Trail, North Lawn Trail
Growing zone: 6-9
Height: 10-12 ft.
Spread: 12-15 ft.
Bloom time: April, May
Bloom description: Dense clusters of bright- and light-pink flowers appear in mid-spring and fill the air with a spicy aroma. The flowers are tubular with elongated stamens emerging from the centers. This is a more drought- and heat-tolerant selection of Piedmont Azalea.
Leaf type: Dark-green, elliptical leaves emerge after flowering.
Garden uses: Best used as a specimen shrub in a woodland garden or planted in small groupings to brighten up a shade garden. They can naturalize an area, so give some breathing room.
Wildlife benefits: The fragrant flowers are visited by hummingbirds, butterflies, and moths.