Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Rhododendron 'Atalanta'
Atalanta Azalea
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Height
- 3 to 4 ft
- Width
- 3 to 4 ft
- Flower color
- Reddish-purple
- Foliage color
- Glossy, dark green evergreen leaves
- Bloom time
- Spring (typically May)
- Light
- Part shade
- Water
- Medium
- Maintenance
- Medium; benefits from a layer of mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 5 to 7
- Wildlife
- Flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies; evergreen foliage provides shelter and winter interest for birds and small wildlife
About this plant
Rhododendron 'Atalanta' is a compact broadleaf evergreen with a neat, upright-rounded habit and medium green foliage. In midseason, usually in May, it carries clusters of funnel-shaped blooms that are reddish purple with a slight bluish cast and appear in trusses at the branch tips. Evergreen leaves hold through winter, giving structure in mixed borders, woodland gardens, or low hedges.
Classed botanically as an evergreen azalea, 'Atalanta' originated in early twentieth-century breeding work on hardy evergreen azaleas, and remains valued for dependable midseason flowering. Its modest size and dense form make it a practical choice for foundation plantings, groupings, and informal edging in temperate gardens.
Works well in
Shade Gardens · Foundation Plantings · Hummingbird Gardens · Woodland Gardens
Companion plants
Aucuba · Hellebore · Brunnera · Japanese maple · Lungwort · Autumn fern
Design tip
The naturally neat shape of ‘Atalanta’ can bring a little order to the looser growth of a woodland-style planting. Repeating it in a few spots creates a gentle sense of rhythm, with the reddish-purple spring flowers adding bursts of color through the garden.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Washington Park Arboretum.
