Martha Hitchcock Azalea — Rhododendron 'Martha Hitchcock'

Martha Hitchcock Azalea brings lightly ruffled, creamy white flowers edged in magenta to the late-spring garden. Large flower clusters stand out against thick, glossy dark green foliage on a dense, mounded evergreen shrub.

Its compact size suits woodland borders, foundation beds, grouped plantings and containers. Choose a spot with morning or partial sun and rich, acidic, well-drained soil.

Growing details

• Botanical name: Rhododendron 'Martha Hitchcock'
• Plant type: Evergreen shrub
• Listed height and spread: 3–4 feet tall and wide
• Spacing: Approximately 3.5 feet apart
• USDA hardiness zones: 5–9
• Light: Morning or partial sun
• Soil: Rich, acidic and well-drained; listed pH range 5–6.5
• Flowers: Creamy white with magenta margins
• Bloom season: Late spring

Care and garden use

This low-maintenance shrub has moderate water needs. Provide good drainage and mulch to help keep roots from drying out. Keep away from the drip lines of walnut-family trees. Test soil before adjusting pH.

Flower buds form on old wood, so prune as needed after the spring bloom. Use as a specimen, in mass plantings, along borders, in woodland gardens, foundation beds, hedges or suitably sized containers. Pair with hydrangea, astilbe or bleeding hearts where growing conditions suit each plant.

Image credit: Prides Corner, Martha Hitchcock Azalea.

Plants naturally vary in appearance and may differ from the images shown.