Rhododendron atlanticum
Rhododendron atlanticum, or Coastal Rhododendron is native to the coastal plain of the eastern United States, from New Jersey south to Georgia. It is a deciduous shrub 2' - 5' tall, spreading by underground stolons.
We carry a delicate pink section that has been called 'Winnie B', and "Marydel' which is likely a natural hybrid between R. atlanticum and R. periclymenoides, which is unique, as the leaves are 3-5cm long and 1-2cm broad, bluish green, and hairless or with scattered glandular hairs. The sweet scented, fragrant white flowers are 3-4 cm long, usually white (a little pink in bud), sometimes with a bit of a yellow patch; they are produced in trusses of 4-10 together. The characteristics of this plant are of Rhododendron atlanticum, except it's height, which is 6' -7', and it's tendancy to remain less stoloniferous. We also sometimes have a compact selection referred to as 'Tappahanna Mist'
The flowers are deliciously fragrant, blooming early and attractive to early-arriving hummingbirds.