SCIENTIFIC NAME: Rhododendron austrinum

COMMON NAME: Florida Flame Azalea

GARDEN SIZE: 6-10 feet tall x 4-6 feet wide

GROWTH RATE: Moderate

USDA ZONE: 6 to 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, loosely branched shrub

FOLIAGE: Deciduous; dull green, elliptic to obovate leaves with soft pubescence

FLOWERS: Yellow, peach, and orange-red; fragrant, funnel-shaped; dense clusters (8-15 per cluster) bloom in early spring just before or as leaves emerge

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