Swamp azalea facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Swamp azalea |
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| Scientific classification | |
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Rhododendron
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| Species: |
viscosum
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Rhododendron viscosum, often called the swamp azalea, clammy azalea, or swamp honeysuckle, is a lovely flowering plant. It is part of the heath family, known as Ericaceae. This plant is a deciduous shrub, meaning it loses its leaves each autumn. It can grow up to 2.5 meters (about 8 feet) tall and just as wide.
This plant is originally from the eastern United States. It has rounded, dull green leaves. In early summer, it grows white, funnel-shaped flowers that often have a hint of pink. These flowers have long, noticeable stamens (the parts that hold pollen) and smell very strong and sweet.
Growing Swamp Azaleas
The swamp azalea is a popular plant for gardens. In the United Kingdom, it has even won the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. This award means it is an excellent plant for gardeners to grow.
What Swamp Azaleas Need
Swamp azaleas are quite tough plants. They can survive cold temperatures down to about -20 degrees Celsius (-4 degrees Fahrenheit). However, like most plants in the Rhododendron family, they need a special place to grow well.
They prefer a spot that is somewhat protected from strong winds and gets dappled shade, meaning sunlight that filters through trees. The soil they grow in must be acidic. This means the soil has a low pH level. It also helps if the soil has been mixed with leaf mould, which is decayed leaves. This makes the soil rich and helps it hold moisture.
