Rhododendron albiflorum Hook. var. albiflorum

1 / 4

Key characteristics

Family: Ericaceae
Height: 3 to 10 ft
Width: 3 to 8 ft
Flower color: White, bell-shaped flowers, often with a faint greenish tint and subtle spotting
Foliage color: Deciduous medium green leaves, turning yellow to orange in fall
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
Light: Partial shade
Water: Moderate
Maintenance: Low; remove spent flowers; prune lightly after bloom as needed
Growing zone: USDA zones 6 to 8
Wildlife: Flowers attract bees and other pollinators

Shrubs

Rhododendron albiflorum Hook. var. albiflorum

Cascade Azalea

Rhododendron albiflorum var. albiflorum is a deciduous shrub native to the mountainous forests of western North America. In late spring into early summer, its pendulous, bowl-shaped flowers appear singly or in small clusters. The blooms are predominantly white to creamy white, may show pale green tint or spotting in the throat and they emit a gentle fragrance that can attract native pollinators during their brief flowering period.

Light

Partial shade

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Find this plant

Works well in

Shade Gardens
Foundation Plantings
Native Gardens
Woodland Gardens

Companion plants

Mahonia · Rodgersia · Primrose · Japanese aralia · Bergenia · Maidenhair fern

Design tip

Cascade azalea feels most at home in a loose, natural-looking planting rather than a highly structured one. Tuck it among other woodland plants where its airy form can blend into the surroundings, then become more noticeable when the white flowers appear in late spring.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)