Rhododendron austrinum (Florida Flame Azalea)

Noted for its incredibly brilliant golden blossoms and lovely fragrance in spring, Rhododendron austrinum, commonly known as Florida Flame Azalea, is a spectacular deciduous Azalea. Rich with a delightful honeysuckle fragrance, its compact clusters of 10 to 24 golden-yellow, funnel-shaped flowers with elegantly protruding red stamens, are often flushed red or peach at their base, producing a magnificent display. Blooming in early to mid-spring, the blooms appear on naked stems or as the leaves emerge. The deciduous foliage of elliptic, mid-green leaves is covered with downy soft hair and turns yellow to bronze-orange in fall. Native to Florida’s panhandle and southern Georgia, this loose, multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub is heat tolerant and performs well in hot climates. Mildew resistant, it is not adapted to cool summer areas. Compact and delightfully scented, Flame Azalea makes a valuable addition near a patio and around the home.

• Grows up to 5-6 ft. tall (150-180 cm) and 3-4 ft. wide (90-120 cm)
• Winner of the Rhododendron of the Year Award of the American Rhododendron Society for the South Central and South East regions.
• A part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in moist, acidic, humusy, well-drained soils. 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, as a flowering hedge or privacy screen, foundation plantings, 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.