Rhododendron periclymenoides

Native pink azalea flowering in late spring

Rhododendron periclymenoides pink azalea

Plant grows in the wild/spontaneouslyPlant is native to PA Synonyms:   Rhododendron nudiflorum
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Pink azalea, also known as pinxter flower, is a slow-growing deciduous shrub that produces delicate pink to white, funnel-shaped flowers with a light fragrance.  Blooming from April through May, these showy blossoms appear just before the leaves emerge and grow in clusters of 6-12 flowers. Each  flower measures about 1½ inches wide and has five long curved stamens. The stamens are two inches long and protrude well beyond the pubescent flower tube. Bees, butterflies, moths and hummingbirds are attracted to the nectar and fragrance making the shrub a valuable resource for pollinators.

The simple, alternate leaves are bright green, oval to elliptic in shape, and measure 2 to 4 inches in length. They have a smooth texture with a subtle leathery feel and transition to a dull yellow in autumn before shedding.

Pink azalea closely resembles its relative, early azalea (R. prinophyllum), but lacks the characteristic wooliness found on the buds, twigs, and undersides of its leaves. Both species are valued in the horticultural trade, tough early azalea tends to be the more popular choice. The plant can be propagated from seed or cuttings, though cuttings may require careful handling for successful rooting.

Pink azalea is native to the eastern United States, growing from 3 to 9 feet with a spread of 3-7 feet making it a natural cover for small mammals and a nesting site for birds. Found in moist forests, swamps and stream banks, it prefers dappled shade and acidic, well-drained soils though it can tolerate dry, sandy, or rocky soils. Root rot and powdery mildew can be a problem as can insects such as aphids, borers, and lace bugs. All parts of this plant contain grayanotoxins, making it poisonous to dogs, cats, horses and humans.

Common in dry woods, thickets, and stream banks. Prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soil in dappled shade.

Present throughout the state.

Range:  Found throughout the eastern United States from Massachusetts to South Carolina and Tennessee.

Wetland codes
EMP: FAC
NCNE: FAC



Flowers in April & May, before the leaves appear. 

Fruits in late summer to early winter.

Inflorescence  terminal truss with 6 to 15 flowers each

Flowers  funnel-shaped, tube is usually without gland-tipped hairs; corolla pink or white; pedicel and ovary with long nonglandular hairs; 5 protruding, curved stamens; 1½″ wide

Leaves  simple, alternate, dark green, oblong to elliptic; glabrous, bristly on midrib or rarely with dense short soft hairs beneath; 2-4″ long

Stems  woody, slender, grayish-brown; smoother when young, becoming furrowed, rough or shred with age

Fruit  brown, hairy capsule with long nonglandular hairs

Bark  grayish-brown; thin and smooth when young becoming ridged or plated with age

Twigs  very slender; glabrous, bristly or rarely with soft short hairs

Buds  scales glabrous; yellow-green to red-brown; pointed

Height/Spread  3-9 feet, rarely up to 12 feet tall; spreading 3-7 feet

Age  30 years or more

Fall Color  dull yellow

S-rank:  S5 (Secure)
G-rank:  G5 (Secure)

The nectar-rich flowers attract birds, bees and butterflies with bumblebees being the main pollinator. The plant also serves as a food source for deer, which can occasionally cause damage. It is susceptible to insect problems like aphids, borers, and lace bugs as well as root rot and powdery mildew.

Samantha (Guest)

Posted on 19 June 2025

I just received a pink azalea with buds formed for transplant from another garden. It is quite leggy and large. Should I prune it before or after it blooms? (I´m in Chile so we are just entering winter here).

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Rhododendron periclymenoides pink azalea

Plant grows in the wild/spontaneouslyPlant is native to PA
Synonyms:   Rhododendron nudiflorum
Add to MyPlants View Locations
Rhododendron periclymenoides gallery
Plant Life-Form
deciduous shrub
Common Names
pink azalea pinxter flower