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
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of Mar 30, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 1,116 | Pre-season | Beginning of flowering | 54 |
| Seattle / UW | 1,112 | Pre-season | Beginning of flowering | 58 |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 1,049 | Pre-season | Beginning of flowering | 122 |
| Kent / Auburn | 1,048 | Pre-season | Beginning of flowering | 122 |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 1,041 | Pre-season | Beginning of flowering | 129 |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 1,017 | Pre-season | Beginning of flowering | 153 |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 1,012 | Pre-season | Beginning of flowering | 158 |
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| ○ Beginning of flowering BBCH 61 NEXT | 1170 | — est. Apr 6 (forecast) |
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 Mar 30, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through Apr 15, 2026, then climate normals.