Rhododendron prunifolium (Plumleaf Azalea)
Plumleaf Azalea, Plum Leaf Azalea, Very Late Rhododendrons
One of the latest native azaleas to bloom, Rhododendron prunifolium (Plumleaf Azalea), is a large, graceful shrub that sets the garden ablaze in mid to late summer. This deciduous azalea produces an abundance of orange to vivid red, funnel-shaped flowers, up to 2 in. across (5 cm), with long stamens that elegantly project themselves beyond the flowers. Borne in clusters of 4-7 flowers, the blooms are a great a nectar source for swallowtail butterflies and hummingbirds. They contrast beautifully with the elliptic to obovate, 6 in. long (15 cm), dark green shiny leaves which turn yellowish to plum in the fall.
- Grows with an upright, spreading, open habit, up to 8-10 ft. tall (240-300 cm) and 6-8 ft. wide (180-240 cm)
- Winner of the Rhododendron of the Year Award of the American Rhododendron Society, which recognizes plants with excellent foliage and flowers, attractive plant habits, and strong pest and disease resistance. These awards were received for the Mid-Atlantic region (2011) as well as the South East region (2014)
- A part shade lover, this plant is best grown in moist, acidic, humusy, well-drained soils. Protect from frost to prevent damage to flowers. Mulch annually with leaf mould to retain moisture, control weeds, and cool the soil.
- Perfect as specimen, for beds and borders, cottage gardens.
- Removing spent flowers promotes new growth
- All parts of plant are poisonous if ingested.
- Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
- Native to the southeastern United States
Learn How To Plant And Care for Your Azalea or Rhododendron
Azaleas and Rhododendrons are not difficult to grow but have special cultural requirements.Read More
Not sure which Rhododendrons - Azaleas to pick?
Compare All Rhododendrons - Azaleas
Buy Rhododendron prunifolium (Plumleaf Azalea)
Requirements
Hardiness | 5
– 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 5
– 9 |
Climate Zones | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Azaleas - Rhododendrons, Rhododendrons - Azaleas |
Exposure | Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Mid,Late) |
Height | 8' – 10' (240cm – 3m) |
Spread | 6' – 8' (180cm – 240cm) |
Spacing | 72" – 96" (180cm – 240cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy |
Native Plants | United States, Southeast, Alabama, Georgia |
Tolerance | Clay Soil |
Attracts | Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |
Guides with Azaleas - Rhododendrons
Chanticleer Gardens
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 | 5
– 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 5
– 9 |
Climate Zones | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Azaleas - Rhododendrons, Rhododendrons - Azaleas |
Exposure | Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Mid,Late) |
Height | 8' – 10' (240cm – 3m) |
Spread | 6' – 8' (180cm – 240cm) |
Spacing | 72" – 96" (180cm – 240cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy |
Native Plants | United States, Southeast, Alabama, Georgia |
Tolerance | Clay Soil |
Attracts | Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |
Guides with Azaleas - Rhododendrons