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Royal Azalea Wikimedia Commons
Ericaceae

Royal Azalea

Rhododendron schlippenbachii

Regal beauty and temperance.

Family
Ericaceae
Genus
Rhododendron
Native to
Korea, Manchuria, Japan
Bloom season
Spring
Type
shrub
Height
6-15 ft
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Soil
acidic, moist, well-drained
Water
moderate
Hardiness
4-7
Lifespan
perennial

Did you know

  • It is the national flower of North Korea, where it is called 'cheoljjuk' and appears in numerous cultural motifs.
  • Named after Baron Alexander von Schlippenbach, a Russian naval officer who collected it in Korea in 1854.
  • Its large, fragrant flowers appear just before or with the leaves, creating a stunning spring display.
  • It is considered one of the most beautiful deciduous azaleas in existence by plant collectors worldwide.
  • In Korean mountain folklore, entire hillsides turning pink with royal azalea signaled the proper time to plant rice.

Color meanings

0

temperance

1

elegance

2

first love

Uses

  • ornamental specimen plant
  • woodland gardens
  • spring border plantings
  • parks and estates