Rhododendron austrinum

Common Names

Florida Azalea, Orange Azalea, Florida Flame Azalea, Yellow Azalea, Southern Yellow Azalea, Flame Azalea, Honeysuckle Azalea, Deciduous Azalea, Early Midseason Azalea

Summary

Florida azalea, Rhododendron austrinum, is an upright, deciduous shrub native to the Southeastern United States (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi). It typically grows six to ten feet tall with a four to six foot spread and forms a multi-stemmed habit. In early to mid-spring, it produces fragrant, funnel-shaped flowers in dense clusters of eight to fifteen, colors ranging from yellow to orange (often with a red-tinted tube), with long stamens projecting from the bloom. Foliage consists of elliptic to obovate leaves; the plant is deciduous and provides a bright spring display that attracts hummingbirds and bees. In cultivation, Florida azalea thrives in acidic, moist, well-drained soils with light to partial shade; sun-dappled shade is preferred as foliage may scorch in full sun. Mulching with leaf mold helps conserve moisture and protect roots, and soils should be kept evenly moist and well drained; raised beds can help in heavy clay. Pruning after flowering preserves next year’s buds. Hardy in USDA zones 6–9, it can slowly naturalize from root suckers and is commonly used as a hedge or specimen near patios, or in shrub borders. Propagation can occur by seed or cuttings; the plant attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

96-120 inches

Spread

8-10 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 6-9

Sunlight Requirements

Partial Shade to Full Sun.

Soil Type

Acidic, well-drained, moist, humus-rich soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Soil pH

4.5-6.5, Acidic soil

Bloom Color

Orange to yellow

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Green to yellow-green; yellow to brown in autumn; bronze-orange in fall

Fall Foliage Color

Yellow, brown, orange, bronze-orange, copper, gold

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

0.5-0.66 feet per year

Seasons of Interest

Spring

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, other pollinators, birds