Dwarf azalea
Rhododendron atlanticum
Ericaceae · [VERIFY] · native
Last updated
Dwarf azalea (Rhododendron atlanticum) is a deciduous shrub in the Ericaceae family reaching 2-6 ft tall. It is native to the coastal plain of the eastern United States and produces showy flowers typical of the azalea group.
Cultural requirements and detailed site preferences require further enrichment from authoritative sources. All parts are poisonous to humans, cats, dogs, and horses. The plant shares the general Ericaceae preference for acidic, well-drained, humus-rich soil.
Quick Facts
Phenological Calendar
As of April 19, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 1342.9 to 1500.8 GDD₃₂. Dwarf azalea has passed beginning of flowering (1170 GDD₃₂).
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of Apr 19, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 1,501 | Beginning of flowering | — | — |
| Seattle / UW | 1,465 | Beginning of flowering | — | — |
| Kent / Auburn | 1,441 | Beginning of flowering | — | — |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 1,415 | Beginning of flowering | — | — |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 1,390 | Beginning of flowering | — | — |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 1,381 | Beginning of flowering | — | — |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 1,343 | Beginning of flowering | — | — |
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| ● Beginning of flowering BBCH 61 NOW | 1170 | — |
GDD = Growing Degree Days (base 32°F, Jan 1 start). Why base 32? Source GDD₅₀ thresholds from Herms 2004 (OSU, Secrest Arboretum, Ohio) and UMD IPMnet (Gill & Klick, mid-Atlantic), converted to GDD₃₂ via Kent bloom-date mapping. Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of Apr 19, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through May 5, 2026, then climate normals.