Pinxter azalea
Rhododendron periclymenoides

Pinxter azalea, also known as pinxter flower or pinxterbloom, is a native azalea with beautiful pink flowers.

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Bee visits a pinxter azalea plant.
A bumblebee visits pinxter azaleas blooming in George Washington National Forest near the Jackson River in Alleghany County, Va., on May 12, 2018. (Photo by Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program)

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Appearance

Pinxter azalea is a dense and bushy shrub that typically grows 2 to 6 feet. It has pale pink flowers that are funnel shaped. The flowers have a long stamen and pistils that hook at the end. Come fall, the narrow leaves turn a rich purple color.

Predators

Pinxter azalea is threatened by deer who eat the plant.

Reproduction and life cycle

In April to May, clusters of flowers emerge from pink buds. These flowers bloom before and alongside the leaves and are sometimes lightly-scented. The flowers are pollinated by hummingbirds or large butterflies. Mature shrubs grow up to five feet tall and six feet wide.

Did you know?

  • Pinxter azalea is one of several azaleas native to Maryland and the only one common in Washington-Baltimore area woodlands.
  • Pinxter azaleas are pollinated by hummingbirds and large butterflies.
  • The name “Pinxter” comes from the word for Pentecost in Dutch. The Pinxter azalea blooms around the same time that Pentecost takes place seven Sundays after Easter.

Sources and additional information

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