SCIENTIFIC NAME: Rhododendron 'Clowning Around'

COMMON NAME: Clowning Around Azalea

GARDEN SIZE: 8 to 12 feet tall by 6 to 8 feet wide

GROWTH RATE: Moderate

USDA ZONE: 6 - 9

EXPOSURE: Part shade. May tolerate being in more sun if given more water (but still avoid leaving them with wet feet).

WATER & SOIL: Medium, consistent water. Avoid wet feet; prefers light, acidic, sandy, well-drained soils

HABIT (FORM): Upright, Rounded, Irregular

FOLIAGE: Deciduous; Medium green turning orange-bronze in fall; mildew-resistant

FLOWERS: Snowball-like clusters of fragrant, single, trumpet-shaped bright orange blooms with red tints; flowers in early spring on old wood

PLANT ORIGIN: Southeastern United States (Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi); found in moist woods and along streams

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: Host plant for local butterflies and moths, and food source for pollinators, birds, and small mammals. Supplies shelter and nesting sites.

FERTILIZING: Apply a fertilizer for acid-loving plants in the early spring.

PRUNING: Remove spent flower clusters immediately after the blooms finish. Pruning is not usually needed or recommended, but may be done right after blooming is finished in late spring or early summer.

TOXICITY FLAGS: Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.

USES: Hedge, Foundation planting, Specimen