Rhododendron Fragrant Star

Regarded as one of the most fragrant deciduous Azaleas, Rhododendron ‘Fragrant Star’ is a pretty addition to the mid-spring garden with its masses of very strongly scented, funnel-shaped, pure white flowers, up to 1.5 in. wide (3-4 cm). The deciduous foliage of blue-green leaves is equally attractive.

Regarded as one of the most fragrant deciduous Azaleas, Rhododendron 'Fragrant Star' is a pretty addition to the mid-spring garden with its masses of very strongly scented, funnel-shaped, pure white flowers, up to 1.5 in. wide (3-4 cm). The deciduous foliage of blue-green leaves is equally attractive. 'Fragrant Star' resembles its popular parent, Rhododendron 'Snowbird', but displays larger flowers and thicker leaves. Heat tolerant, it is also quite cold hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as -20°F (-29°C).

  • Grows with a strong, upright habit up to 3-4 ft. tall and wide (90-120 cm).
  • Winner of the Rhododendron of the Year Award of the American Rhododendron Society for the Great Lakes region.
  • A sun to part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in moist, acidic, humusywell-drained soils. Tolerates full sun in cool moist sites. Plant shallowly in a location protected from strong winter winds. Protect from frost to prevent damage to flowers. Mulch annually with leaf mold to retain moisture, control weeds, and cool the soil.
  • Perfect for shrub borders or mixed borders, hedges or screens, and shade gardens.
  • Attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and birds
  • Removing spent flowers promotes new growth.
  • All parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.

Requirements

Hardiness 5
– 9

Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Azaleas – Rhododendrons, Rhododendrons – Azaleas
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid)
Height 3'
– 4'
(90cm
– 120cm)
Spread 3'
– 4'
(90cm
– 120cm)
Spacing 36″
– 48″
(90cm
– 120cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden