Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Rhododendron schlippenbachii
Royal Azalea
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Height
- 10 to 15 ft
- Width
- 10 to 15 ft
- Flower color
- Soft pink to pale rose flowers with darker pink or reddish spotting near the throat
- Foliage color
- Deciduous medium green leaves arranged in distinctive whorls, turning yellow to bronze in fall
- Bloom time
- Early to mid spring
- Light
- Full sun to part shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low to moderate; prune lightly after flowering only if shaping is needed
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 4 to 7
- Wildlife
- Fragrant shows of spring flowers attract pollinators
About this plant
Rhododendron schlippenbachii is a deciduous azalea admired for early-season bloom and lush foliage. In spring, usually April into May, lightly fragrant, saucer-shaped flowers open pale pink to light rose, often with small red spots on the upper petals. Flowers appear as leaves begin to unfurl, creating a soft canopy of color along the branch tips.
Native primarily to Korea and adjacent parts of northeast China and the Russian Far East, it was first brought to wider botanical attention after collections made in Korea. Leaves often appear in whorls near the shoot ends and turn yellow, orange, and red in autumn, extending seasonal interest.
Works well in
Sun Gardens · Foundation Plantings · Cottage Gardens · Specimen Plants
Companion plants
Tulips · Bluebeard · Feverfew · Larkspur · Sea thrifts · Beautyberry
Design tip
Allow Rhododendron schlippenbachii room to develop as a focal shrub, where its open deciduous framework will contrast with denser evergreens nearby. Its changing seasonal presence makes it especially effective in plantings designed to evolve noticeably from spring through autumn.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Washington Park Aboretum.
