Azaleas Ablaze

There's not much that has to be said about our native deciduous azaleas to prove their noteworthiness in the garden and landscape. They are, incomparably, some of the boldest and most ostentatious of our native flowering shrubs, with straight species and hybridized selections collectively producing a rainbow trove of blooms.

Of these, it’s the orange-flowering group that probably gets the most attention. Like moths to flames, humans and pollinators alike seem to find these alluring North American azaleas some of springtime’s most captivating spectacles. True flame azaleas, Rhododendron calendulaceum, are as hard to keep in stock here as they are for landscape professionals to find in the trade. Luckily, there’s a slightly-lesser-known-but-equally-as-beneficial-for-Northeastern-landscapes option that provides a nearly identical floral color and landscape benefits for long-term resiliency projects - that’s right, we’re talking about its fiery Floridian cousin, Rhododendron austrinum.  Commonly called the Florida flame azalea due to its penchant for inhabiting mostly warmer southern regions primarily in and around - you guessed it - the Florida panhandle, Rhododendron austrinum has become an unexpected number-one pick for drought and heat-prone woodland edges and shade gardens as far north as Zone 6a in the lower portion of New England (although it would do best with some winter protection in these conditions).  Typically found in low-lying ravines and frequently wet soils, R. austrinum is best suited for moist, well-draining soils and partial shade, making it useful in woodlands, rain gardens, and foundation plantings. The lovely floral aroma reminiscent of lemon cake is perfect for sensory gardens, while the uncommonly bright orange-red flowers qualify R. austrinum for shady pollinator gardens. The reddish floral tones are attractive to Ruby-throated hummingbirds and large bodied native bees, who can often be seen noisily buzzing about while they burrow into the nectar-rich tunnels.  We’ll let the photos speak for themselves this week. There’s no need to do much talking when the Florida flame azaleas are burning with things to say.

See all our Woody Ornamentals