SCIENTIFIC NAME: Rhododendron x austrinum 'Mooshatanio'

COMMON NAME: Mooshatanio Native Azalea

GARDEN SIZE: 8 to 10 feet tall by 5 to 6 feet wide

GROWTH RATE: Moderate to vigorous

USDA ZONE: 6a to 9b (possibly 10)

EXPOSURE: Dappled shade; morning sun with afternoon shade; filtered sun

WATER & SOIL: Moist but well-drained, humus-rich acidic soil (pH 4.5–6.0); average water; drought tolerant once established

HABIT (FORM): Upright, rounded, slightly irregular; can be trained as small tree

FOLIAGE: Deciduous; medium green turning orange-bronze in fall

FLOWERS: Fragrant, single trumpet-shaped blooms; brilliant orange-red from red buds; early to mid-spring

PLANT ORIGIN: Hybrid of Rhododendron austrinum (Florida Flame Azalea) x Exbury Azalea 'Hotspur Yellow'

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: Attracts pollinators; fragrant blooms appeal to butterflies and hummingbirds

FERTILIZING: Apply fertilizer for acid-loving plants after bloom if needed

PRUNING: Minimal; shape lightly after flowering

TOXICITY FLAGS: Toxic if ingested (contains grayanotoxins)

USES: Specimen, woodland border, native plant garden, foundation planting, large container, cottage garden