Rhododendron Sweet Reward Coral Azalea
Best fragrant shrub for gardeners wanting to attract local pollinators.
The Rhododendron Sweet Reward™ Coral Azalea is a stunning, deciduous shrub celebrated for its large, fragrant flower clusters in vibrant salmon and coral hues with bright orange spots, blooming in mid-spring. This hardy native shrub attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. With an upright habit, it's ideal for specimen planting, borders, or foundation plantings. It thrives in moist, well-draining soil and adapts to clay, normal, and loamy types, preferring acidic conditions. This easy-care plant is a beautiful addition to any garden, especially in shade locations.
$24.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
34
/ 2688
#34 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
-37%
Below average
Genus
Rhododendron
/ Rhododendron
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking continuous color throughout the growing season
- Designers looking for a bold, modern landscape focal point
- Urban homeowners with limited garden space or containers
Who should skip it
- Gardeners with alkaline soil who prefer low-maintenance plants
- Busy homeowners wanting a plant that requires zero pest monitoring
- People living in hot, dry climates with full sun exposure
Performance breakdown
Pollinator Attraction
Fragrant blooms act as a magnet for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Visual Impact
Vibrant coral and salmon clusters provide a striking mid-spring focal point.
Soil Adaptability
Versatile root system handles clay, loam, and standard garden soil conditions.
Maintenance Ease
Hardy native genetics ensure minimal fuss for the average home gardener.
Planting Versatility
Upright habit works equally well in containers or as foundation borders.
Deer Resistance
Lacks natural defenses, requiring protection in areas with high deer populations.
Key Specs
Genus
Rhododendron
Variety
'NCB195'
Item Form
1-Quart
Mature Height
6 Feet
Mature Width
6 Feet
Hardiness Zones
5 - 8
Bloom Time
Mid Spring
Growth Rate
Not specified
Features
- Showy coral and salmon blooms
- Highly fragrant flowers attract pollinators
- Upright habit for versatile planting
- Developed from native species
- Adaptable to various soil types
- Easy-care maintenance
- Thrives in sun to part shade
- Container-friendly for flexible placement
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the Sweet Reward Coral Azalea for its exceptional quality and vibrant color. Reviewers frequently note the plants arrive healthy and establish quickly, demonstrating robust growth and strong performance right out of the box. The distinctive coral hue is a standout design feature, providing a beautiful pop of color that truly lives up to the "Sweet Reward" name. The reliable reblooming capability is a major draw, offering extended seasonal enjoyment and excellent value for gardeners seeking continuous visual impact.
Know before you buy
This is a deciduous shrub, meaning it will lose its foliage in the winter. You can expect it to leaf out again in the spring just before its mid-season bloom.
Since this shrub reaches a mature size of 6 feet tall and 6 feet wide, you should space them at least 6 feet apart from the center of one plant to the center of the next to allow for proper airflow and growth.
Yes, this variety prefers acidic soil conditions. If your native soil is alkaline, you may need to amend it with peat moss or sulfur to help the plant successfully absorb nutrients.
Yes, the Sweet Reward Coral Azalea is container-friendly. Ensure you use a large pot with excellent drainage and a high-quality, acidic potting mix designed for acid-loving shrubs.
This variety is not considered deer-resistant. If you live in an area with high deer pressure, you may need to use protective netting or repellent sprays to keep them from browsing on the foliage and buds.
It is quite versatile and can handle anything from full sun to partial shade. In hotter climates, providing some afternoon shade will help keep the soil moist and protect the plant from heat stress.
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