Rhododendron mucronatumSnow Azalea

Rhododendron mucronatum, the snow azalea, has been in Japanese and Chinese gardens for centuries and is of cultivated rather than wild origin. It makes a low spreading mound, densely twiggy, covered in spring with large white funnel flowers that carry a light scent, which is unusual in an evergreen azalea.

Everything depends on the soil. It is a strict acid-soil plant with fine surface roots, and on alkaline or free-limestone ground it yellows and fails regardless of how well it is irrigated.

Specifications

• Height1 to 2 metres
• Width1.5 to 2 metres
• Native toOf cultivated origin and long grown in Japan and China; the genus is native across Asia
• FoliageNarrow elliptic leaves with a soft hairy surface; semi-evergreen
• Growth rateSlow to moderate

Conditions

• SoilRequires acid, moist, humus-rich, free-draining soil and will not tolerate alkaline or limestone ground
• LightPartial shade to filtered sun
• WaterModerate; the shallow root system dries out quickly and needs steady moisture
• ClimateThrives in humid temperate and warm temperate regions

Additional Features

• FlowersLarge white funnel-shaped flowers, lightly fragrant, in a single heavy spring flush
• UsesMass shrub planting, woodland edges, courtyards, formal beds and containers
• SpacingPlant 1 to 1.5 metres apart for a continuous mound
• Low MaintenanceTrim lightly straight after flowering and mulch annually to protect the surface roots
• Pest ResistanceWatch for lace bug and vine weevil, and for iron chlorosis on the wrong soil
• ToxicityAll parts of the plant are toxic if eaten, in common with the rest of the genus
• Seasonal AppealOne dominant spring flowering flush over year-round foliage cover

The Snow Azalea is a classic spring shrub for acid soil and dappled shade, and it is worth building the bed to suit it.