Rhododendron Species, Western Azalea

Per Roger Raiche. Designer, Naturalist, Botanist and Licensed Contractor at Planet Horticulture Landscape Design & Construction from Guer...Read Moreneville, CA.:
" It has two scents, a spicy, almost carnation-like sweet fragrance and a skunky fragrance mixed in. The skunky aroma occurs from the glandular hairs on the outside of the flowers, sepals and foliage, so can be noticed even when the plant is not flowering. I've had folks insist that someone was growing pot, when it was actually just an azalea thicket."

"The sweet/spicy scent is only present when the flowers are open. But it can be intense. I've walked along trails or whatever when suddenly you feel this cascade of fragrance engulf you as the heavier fragrance flows downhill from a thicket higher up."