Rhododendron austrinum – Florida Azalea (B&B.DRGHT.FRG.H.HMR.NB.OP.RR.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

Florida azalea is an erect, woody, deciduous shrub in the Ericaceae (blueberry) family that will grow 8 to 10 feet tall and wide. It is native to the lower southeastern United States, which does not include North Carolina.

Give this plant partial shade in moist, well-drained, acidic soil and protect it from afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves. It does not tolerate dense clay, so if you have clay soil, amend with organic material. It will reward you with fragrant flowers plus drought tolerance once established.

The flowers of Florida azalea attract hummingbirds and bees, so place it in a woodland or naturalized area. It may also be grown as a houseplant. Prune rhododendrons and azaleas after they bloom to preserve the current season’s bloom, and allow time for the plant to produce flower buds for next year’s bloom.  Rhododendrons and azaleas set next year’s flower buds by mid to late summer.

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

As a host plant, Rhododendron alabamense can be a food source or a place where certain insects lay their eggs or develop. 

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