SCIENTIFIC NAME: Rhododendron prunifolium

COMMON NAME: Plumleaf Azalea

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

GROWTH RATE: Moderate

USDA ZONE: 5 to 9

EXPOSURE: Partial shade; prefers cool, shady sites

WATER & SOIL: Moist, well-drained, acidic soil; amend clay for drainage

HABIT (FORM): Erect, open, spreading shrub

FOLIAGE: Deciduous or semi-evergreen; alternate, medium green, simple leaves

FLOWERS: Terminal clusters of 2" tubular red to orange-red blooms in late summer; showy but not fragrant

PLANT ORIGIN: Alabama and Georgia

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: Host plant for butterflies and moths from neighboring states, and could be a food source for pollinators, birds, and small mammals. Supplies shelter and nesting sites.

FERTILIZING: May top-dress with organic compost in the spring if desired. Avoid over-fertilization.

PRUNING: May prune lightly after flowering if desired

TOXICITY FLAGS: Mildy toxic to humans, cats, dogs, and horses

USES: Woodland gardens, pollinator gardens, naturalized areas, shade gardens, specimen shrub