SCIENTIFIC NAME: Rhododendron x flammeum 'Father Ryan'

COMMON NAME: Father Ryan Oconee Azalea

GARDEN SIZE: 5 to 8 feet tall by 4 to 6 feet wide

GROWTH RATE: Moderate

USDA ZONE: 6 to 10

EXPOSURE: Shade to part shade; dappled or filtered sunlight, morning sun with afternoon shade

WATER & SOIL: Keep soil moist but well-drained; prefers humus-rich, acidic soil for optimal growth

HABIT (FORM): Upright, rounded shrub

FOLIAGE: Deciduous; medium green

FLOWERS: Double, trumpet-shaped blooms in tropical blends of orange, yellow, pink, and red; 2–3" across; mid-spring

PLANT ORIGIN: Hybrid; Naturally occurring hybrid of R. flammeum and another unknown parent

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: As a hybrid, whether this plant acts as a local plant depends on how far it diverges from the straight species. May or may not be a host plant for local butterflies and moths, and could be a food source for pollinators, birds, and small mammals. Supplies shelter and nesting sites.

FERTILIZING: Minimal; best in humus-rich, acidic soils. May top dress with organic compost in the spring if desired.

PRUNING: Minimal; prune after bloom if needed

TOXICITY FLAGS: Not specified (assume standard Rhododendron precautions)

USES: Woodland gardens, shade borders, specimen planting, native plant gardens