smooth azalea

plant

Also known as: Rhododendron arborescens, sweet azalea

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Last updated

July 13, 2026

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The smooth azalea, also known as the tree azalea, is a species of Rhododendron belonging to the heath family. These plants are typically deciduous, unlike many other rhododendrons which are evergreen. Azaleas are cultivated for their ornamental value, prized for their showy flowers.1

The smooth azalea (R. arborescens) is a fragrant, white-flowering shrub native to the hilly regions of Asia and North America. It can grow to be between 3 to 6 meters (about 10 to 20 feet) tall. Azalea flowers are funnel-shaped and often fragrant, with five projecting stamens, distinguishing them from other rhododendrons.1

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azalea
Major species
…North American kinds include the smooth, or sweet, azalea (R. arborescens), a fragrant white-flowering shrub 3 to 6 metres (about 10 to 20 feet) high; the flame azalea (R. calendulaceum), a shrub 0.5 to 2 metres (1.5 to 6.5 feet) high; and the pinxter flower (R. periclymenoides), a shrub 1…
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…North American kinds include the smooth, or sweet, azalea (R. arborescens), a fragrant white-flowering shrub 3 to 6 metres (about 10 to 20 feet) high; the flame azalea (R. calendulaceum), a shrub 0.5 to 2 metres (1.5 to 6.5 feet) high; and the pinxter flower (R. periclymenoides), a shrub 1…
Read More