Rhododendron periclymenoides – Pinxterbloom Azalea (B&B.DRGHT.FRG.H.HMR.M.NB.OP.SHWY)

Ecosystem Services:
(B)-Birds                                             (B&B)-Birds & Butterflies

(BTF)-Butterflies                             (BW)-Black Walnut Resistant

(DR)-Deer Resistant                      (DRGHT)-Drought Resistant

(EC)-Erosion Control                    (EVR)-Evergreen

(FC)-Fall Color                                 (FRG)-Fragrant

(GRD)-Groundcover                      (H)-Host plant

(HMR)-Hummingbirds                (M)-Mammals

(MTH)-Moths                                   (N)-Nectar

(NB)-Native Bees                            (NST)-Nesting Material

(OP)-Other pollinators                 (RR)-Rabbit Resistant

(SHWY)-Showy                                (SPC)-Specimen Plant

Piedmont azalea is a woody, evergreen, or deciduous shrub in the Ericaceae (blueberry) family.

It is native to the mountains of South Carolina and Georgia. This mounding shrub ranges in both height and width from 6 to 8 feet.

Plant in humus-rich, acidic, moist but well-drained soils in partial shade to dappled shade. As with other azaleas, this species does not tolerate dense clay, so if you have clay soil, amend with organic material. The roots may rot if soil does not drain well. Plant the root ball high in the soil to help with drainage issues. Avoid overwatering and over-fertilizing. Pruning, if desired, may be done after flowering.

The tubular, showy flowers appear in large clusters in the spring in a variety of colors from yellow to pink to red and attract both hummingbirds and bees. For an azalea, It is tolerant of heat and humidity.

Use in a woodland garden, for naturalizing, foundation plantings, or as a specimen, hedge, or shady shrub border.

All parts of the Rhododendron genus contain the poisons Andromedotoxin, Grayantoxin.

As a host plant, Rhododendron flammeum can be a food source or a place where certain insects lay their eggs or develop. It hosts the Rhododendron borer moth (Synanthedon rhododendri) as well as the Azalea caterpillar (Datana major).

Members of the genus Rhododendron support the following specialized bee: Andrena (Andrena) cornelli, and bumble bees.