Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Rhododendron 'Sweet Reward Coral'
Sweet Reward Coral Azalea
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Height
- 3 to 6 ft
- Width
- 3 to 6 ft
- Flower color
- Rich coral to salmon-coral blooms, often with warm sherbet-orange in the centers
- Foliage color
- Medium-green deciduous leaves
- Bloom time
- Mid to late spring (April-May)
- Light
- Full sun to part sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low to moderate; prune lightly after bloom
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 5 to 8
- Wildlife
- Fragrant flowers attract bees and hummingbirds
About this plant
Rhododendron Sweet Reward Coral is a deciduous azalea with an upright, mounded form and light green leaves that may show a faint burgundy edge. In mid to late spring, it produces rounded clusters of salmon-coral flowers with warm orange centers. The blossoms are strongly fragrant and are visited by bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, bringing color and movement to the spring garden.
Developed at North Carolina State University, Sweet Reward Coral was selected for fragrant bloom and garden durability. Its scented spring flowers and clean, deciduous framework make it a good choice for mixed borders, informal hedges, and prominent planting areas near paths or seating where the fragrance can be enjoyed.
Works well in
Sun Gardens · Foundation Plantings · Fragrant Gardens · Hummingbird Gardens
Companion plants
Asters · Cotoneaster · Bee balm · Smoke bush · Dianthus · California lilac
Design tip
Make ‘Sweet Reward Coral’ a spring focal point near a patio or seating area, where its strong fragrance can be enjoyed up close. Surrounding it with quieter greenery will keep the warm coral flowers prominent without introducing competing colors into the display.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at Oregon State University.
