flame azalea
Rhododendron calendulaceum
USDA zones5 to 7
SunHandles full sun to full shade
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size4 to 8 feet tall8 to 10 feet wide
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Yellow to orange to red
- Foliage color
- Gold/yellow, green, red/burgundy
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acidic (pH<6.8)
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Flame azalea (Rhododendron calendulaceum) is a shrub for borders, pollinator gardens, and specimen planting. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and dry to moist, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. Rabbits rarely make it their first choice. Large funnel-shaped flowers range from pale yellow to apricot to scarlet and open before or with the leaves. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds visit them.
Pairs well with American holly, Autumn fern, and Shagbark hickory.
Native range
Southeastern United States.