Rhododendron periclymenoides (synonym R. nudiflorum)

The Pinxter Azalea is a deciduous native azalea famous for it’s stunning flowers all the way from New Hampshire to Alabama. In NC, it is present in most counties of the state except for the highest mountain counties and the swampiest counties in the northeast corner. Pinxter Azalea’s funnel-shaped flowers, with elegantly long exserted stamens, occur in large terminal clusters ranging from white to all shades of pink. Flowers start to open before leaf expansion, drawing many pollinators, including hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. Pinxter is very hardy, tolerating most soil types as long as they are organic, well drained and acidic, and it thrives in dappled sun or partial shade or even in bright, indirect light. It lights up a woodland garden!