Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Rhododendron prinophyllum 'Marie Hoffman'
Marie Hoffman Azalea
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Height
- 4 to 8 ft
- Width
- 4 to 8 ft
- Flower color
- Bright pink to rich pink blooms, fragrant and showy
- Foliage color
- Green leaves that may turn bronze to reddish in fall before dropping
- Bloom time
- Mid to late spring
- Light
- Full sun to part shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low to moderate; little pruning needed beyond removing spent flowers
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 4 to 8
- Wildlife
- Fragrant shows of spring flowers attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators
About this plant
Rhododendron prinophyllum 'Marie Hoffman' is a fragrant deciduous azalea with airy branching and fresh blue-green leaves that later turn red-bronze in fall. In May, sweet clove-spiced perfume accompanies trusses of large, clear pink, trumpet-shaped flowers, often carried in loose bouquets along the stems, opening as the shrub leafs out.
'Marie Hoffman' draws early pollinators during cool spring weather. Its spring flowers and seasonal foliage color fit naturally in woodland borders and mixed shrub plantings, and the scented trusses make it especially rewarding near paths, patios, and garden seating.
Works well in
Sun Gardens · Walkways & Pathways · Cottage Gardens · Fragrant Gardens
Companion plants
Salvias · Bottlebrush · Blazing star · Maiden grass · Candytuft · Daisy bush
Design tip
Grow ‘Marie Hoffman’ near a patio, seating area, or well-traveled path where its clove-like fragrance can become part of the spring garden experience. Its airy branching also works beside denser shrubs, introducing a lighter silhouette that keeps larger plantings from feeling heavy.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden.
