Rhododendron austrinum (Florida Flame Azalea)
Florida Flame Azalea, Southern Yellow Azalea, Honeysuckle Azalea, Orange Azalea, Flame Azalea, Deciduous Azalea, Early Midseason 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.
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Requirements
Hardiness | 6
– 10 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 6
– 10 |
Climate Zones | 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Azaleas - Rhododendrons, Rhododendron - Azalea |
Exposure | Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid) |
Height | 5' – 6' (150cm – 180cm) |
Spread | 3' – 4' (90cm – 120cm) |
Spacing | 36" – 48" (90cm – 120cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy |
Native Plants | United States, Southeast, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina |
Tolerance | Rabbit |
Attracts | Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |
Guides with Azaleas - Rhododendrons
Photos courtesy Natual Landscapes Nursery, Chanticleer Garden, Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 6
– 10 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 6
– 10 |
Climate Zones | 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Azaleas - Rhododendrons, Rhododendron - Azalea |
Exposure | Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid) |
Height | 5' – 6' (150cm – 180cm) |
Spread | 3' – 4' (90cm – 120cm) |
Spacing | 36" – 48" (90cm – 120cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy |
Native Plants | United States, Southeast, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina |
Tolerance | Rabbit |
Attracts | Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |
Guides with Azaleas - Rhododendrons