Pinxterbloom Azalea: it’s more than a honeysuckle!

This incredibly, beautiful native azalea, Rhododendron periclymenoides, could be a feature ornamental in any shade garden. It is commonly found in wet and dry areas throughout the eastern United States where there is low deer pressure. The terminal clusters of pink flowers resemble honeysuckle flowers dressed up for a banquet! The 6-12 floral display begins before the leaves expand and emits a slight fragrance attractive to hummingbirds and swallowtail butterflies. The slow-growing Pinxter has a much branched, upright growth habit performs best in partial shade.

‘Pinxter’ was the name given to the plant by Dutch settlers to the New World. They found it bloomed on their Christian holiday, Pentecost, which in their native language was called Pinkster. The Pinkster holiday was celebrated throughout the 1700’s in the Hudson Valley, northern New Jersey and western Long Island. An up-close view of this beautiful flower will give you a holiday smile.

Joyce Browning Horticulturist, Master Gardener Coordinator
Video credit: Bethany Evans Longwood Gardens Professional Gardener Program Alumni; CPH

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