Rhododendron flammeum

Common Names

Oconee Azalea, Piedmont Azalea, Azalea, Deciduous Azalea

Summary

Piedmont azalea is a native deciduous shrub from Georgia and South Carolina with an upright to rounded habit, typically 6–8 ft tall and wide. It features showy, tubular funnel-shaped flowers in ball-shaped trusses of 6–11 blooms, colors yellow-orange to orange-red with a darker blotch on the upper lobe, blooming in April–May.

For cultivation, it prefers acidic, humus-rich, well-drained soils in part shade, with a medium water requirement; space plants 5–8 ft apart and mulch to maintain moisture; drainage is essential and roots should not be allowed to dry; prune after bloom. Hardiness zones 6–7; maintenance: medium; it is suitable for hedge use and attracts butterflies.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

6-8 ft

Spread

6-8 ft

Hardiness Zones

Zones 6-7

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial sun or partial shade, full sun preferred in North USA/Canada, partial shade/dappled shade in the South

Soil Type

Acidic, well-drained, humus-rich soil with high organic matter; pH 4.5–6.0

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

4.5-6.0, acidic soil

Bloom Color

Orange to Red

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Gold/Yellow, GreenYellow

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

0.3 ft/year (≈3.6 inches/year)

Seasons of Interest

Spring

Propagation Methods

Cuttings, Layering, Grafting

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, other pollinators