Rhododendron prunifolium – Plumleaf Azalea (B&B.DRGHT.EVR.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

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

It is native to Alabama and Georgia and does well in the South.

Growing 8 to 12 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide, it has an erect, spreading, and open habit. The genus name derives from the Greek words rhodo, which means rose, and dendron, meaning tree.

This azalea prefers a cool, shady site, but can be grown in partial shade where it will be protected from afternoon sun. It prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soils and does not tolerate dense clay. If you have clay soil, amend with organic material, because 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.

If you have the space, grow this late summer bloomer as a specimen in a pollinator garden where it will attract bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. Otherwise, it does well in a naturalized or woodland area.

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.