Rhododendron prunifolium

Common Names

Plumleaf Azalea, Plum Leaf Azalea

Summary

Plumleaf azalea, Rhododendron prunifolium, is a large, deciduous azalea native to Georgia and Alabama, It forms an upright, spreading shrub typically 8–12 ft tall and 6–8 ft wide, bearing 4–7 funnel-shaped orange-red to red flowers in midsummer, each about 1.5–2 in across, with long stamens protruding, and glabrous dark green leaves that are elliptic to obovate (3–11 cm long), Flowers are non-fragrant, and the plant grows best in shaded, moist, acidic, well-drained habitats such as stream ravines and mesic forests, distribution is concentrated along the Georgia–Alabama border in the southeastern United States, Culture favors part shade and moist, acidic, well-drained soils high in organic matter, protect from wind and afternoon sun, mulch to retain moisture, and avoid overwatering and overfertilization, prune after flowering, propagation by seed or cuttings is common, In landscapes it serves as a specimen or in beds, borders, cottage gardens, or woodland plantings and attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, It is hardy in USDA zones 5–8, deer may damage plants, pest and disease pressures can occur if cultural needs are not met

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

8-12 feet

Spread

6-8 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 5-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Partial Shade.

Soil Type

Acidic, well-drained, moist soil high in organic matter

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Soil pH

4.5-5.5, Acidic soils, well-drained and high in organic matter

Bloom Color

Orange to orange-red

Bloom Time

Summer (July–September)

Foliage Color

Dark green

Fall Foliage Color

Red, Orange, Yellow to Plum

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf, Deciduous, Semi-deciduous

Growth Rate

About 0.4 feet per year

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, and Fall.

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Layering

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators