SCIENTIFIC NAME: Rhododendron aromi hybrid 'Appalachian Gold'

COMMON NAME: Appalachian Gold Aromi Azalea

GARDEN SIZE: 6-8 feet tall x 4-6 feet wide

GROWTH RATE: Moderate

USDA ZONE: 6 to 9

EXPOSURE: Part to mostly shade, morning sun with afternoon shade, or all-day filtered sun/dappled shade. May tolerate being in more sun if given more water (but still avoid leaving them with wet feet).

WATER & SOIL: Moist, well-drained acidic soils

HABIT (FORM): Upright, multi-stemmed, bushy shrub

FOLIAGE: Deciduous; medium green leaves

FLOWERS: Golden yellow with a deep gold blotch; single, trumpet-shaped, 2-3 inches, rounded clusters; fragrant, blooming early to mid-spring

PLANT ORIGIN: Aromi Hybrid

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: May provide some nesting sites and shelter for birds and small mammals, but does not serve as much of a host for local insects and wildlife. May provide food for insects in the spring.

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