Rhododendron occidentale, Native Azalea

A captivating shrub native to the Western Coast (California and into Oregon); blossoms either white to pink with a brushstroke of light yellow, and long, upturned stamens can be found April through early June. Its spicy-sweet scent creates a memorable aromatherapy moment — probably one of our most fragrant native plants.  The deciduous foliage emerges a fresh bright green alongside the flowers and turns shades of gold to red in the fall on a plant that can grow up to 15 feet tall. Minimum temperature: -10° F