Georgia Wildlife Federation

Resources < Wildlife Habitats < Guide to Native Plants of GA for Wildlife < Rhododendron calendulaceum

Native Azaleas are some of the most graceful, peaceful, and charming flowers of the southeast. They are the epitome of the beauty of the southern wildflower, and remain one of the preferred plants for native landscaping in the south. They have a much higher tolerance for drought, sun, pests, and diseases than nonnative Azaleas. Their flowers are also more natural-looking in both shape and color. The fragrance of native Azalea flowers is all their own. They make wonderful cut flowers. They attract more large butterflies and moths than many other plants because the insects must have long enough mouthparts to sip from them. Hummingbirds will also territorially defend the flowers, delighting the native gardener with their chirps and iridescent colors.

Flame Azalea looks best when planted en masse or combined with other native Azaleas. By planting more than one species of native Azalea, the blooming season is easily extended by up to a month. Other good companion plants include Sweetgum, Two-Winged Silverbell, Storax, Florida Anise, Viburnums, Titi, Itea, Sweet Shrub native ferns, Mountain Laurel, Blueberries, and Partridgeberry.

Flame Azalea is one of the more drought-tolerant Azaleas. It prefers moisture, but will survive drought conditions that kill other native Azaleas. It varies greatly in coloration, and may flower yellow, pinkish, apricot, bright orange, or deep scarlet. It also has a weaker scent than other Azaleas. Perhaps its most important distinction is its cold hardiness. It succeeds without winter protection as far north as New York.

Notes on related species: Rhododendron flammeum, the Oconee Azalea, is very similar to the Flame Azalea. A major difference is that the Oconee Azalea is, on average, shorter by at least three feet. Oconee Azalea has a range restricted to the southern Appalachian Mountains in Georgia and South Carolina. Because of its more southern distribution and preference for lower elevations, it is considered more heat, humidity, and drought tolerant than many Azaleas. Its most common color is orange, and it blooms slightly before the Flame Azalea.

Rhododendron prunifolium, the Plumleaf Azalea, like the Oconee Azalea, is a close relative of the Flame Azalea with a greatly restricted range. It is restricted to the southern Appalachian Mountains in Alabama and Georgia, where it is threatened. It differs in having darker, glossier foliage with a noticeable shine. It grows slightly larger than the Flame Azalea and may exceed 16-20 feet tall. Its flowers are typically a bright, reddish peach, often with orange tinting inside the throat. They occur slightly later in spring than the Flame Azalea. Because of its more southern distribution and preference for lower elevations, it is considered more heat, humidity, and drought tolerant than many Azaleas.

Family: Ericaceae (Heath)

Description: Deciduous woody perennial with upright, slender stems and multiple trunks. Leaves are 1-4” long, medium green in color, ovate in shape, and soft, turning yellow to red in fall. Flowers are lightly scented, trumpet-shaped, and appear in spring before or with the leaves. They are large (2” long and 1” in diameter), showy, borne in globular clusters of 5 or more, and vary greatly in color from yellow to apricot to pink to deep crimson. Fruits are 1” long, tan, dry, and mature in early fall.

Size: 6-12 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide

Habit: Deciduous woody perennial with upright, slender stems and multiple trunks

Growth Rate: Moderate

Light: Full sun (if near water), otherwise partial sun to shade

Planting and Care: The most important issues in the planting and care of native Azaleas are soil moisture and pH. Optimal sites should be near water. If not sited near water, amend the backfill with substantial organic matter such as rotted leaves or compost. Also, mulch with 2-4” pine straw, leaves, or wood chips to maintain moisture. Supplemental irrigation of at least 1” water per week during dry times such as summer may be necessary to grow native Azaleas in dry locations. They resist drought better when established after the first year. Flame Azalea is one of the most drought-tolerant Azaleas. Maintain soil pH as acidic as possible, preferably below 5.0. Using pine straw as a mulch acidifies the soil, as does acid-loving plant fertilizers or adding sulfur. Hardy from USDA Zones 6-10.

Ornamental Value: The primary asset of native Azaleas are their magnificent trumpet-shaped flowers, whose powerful fragrances attract large, colorful butterflies as well as hummingbirds.

Landscape Use: Native Azaleas are best for planting where their fragrance and flowers may be easily enjoyed. They make excellent plantings near patios, decks, porches, and within view of windows. They are highly visible in naturalistic or woodland landscapes. They thrive near moving or stationary water sources as specimens or groupings, and reflect well upon ponds. Combine with evergreen shrubs for year-round interest.

Wildlife Benefits: Flowers provide nectar to a wide variety of animals including Hummingbirds, Swallowtails, Gulf Fritillaries, Monarchs, Hairstreaks, Skippers, and bees. It is often used as a nesting site by songbirds.

Native Habitat: Native to the US east of the Mississippi, from Georgia east to Alabama, north to Ohio, and northeast to New York and Connecticut. Favored habitats include wooded bluffs, woodland stream banks, hammocks, and floodplains.

Propagation: Combine seeds loosely with sphagnum moss and sprinkle lightly over a 2:1 perlite/peat mixture. Optimum temperatures for germination are 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit. Transplant seedlings to moist, acid soil with a high content of organic matter. Division of mature clumps is also possible.