Rhododendron prinophyllum 'Marie Hoffman'

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Key characteristics

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

Shrubs

Rhododendron prinophyllum 'Marie Hoffman'

Marie Hoffman Azalea

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.

Light

Full sun to part shade

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Mid to late spring

Find this plant

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.