Winner of the Rhododendron of the year Award by the American Rhododendron Society and one of the showiest of all native azaleas, Rhododendron austrinum, commonly called Florida Flame Azalea, dominates the landscape with an absolutely spectacular display of abundant, large rounded clusters of red to deep orange buds that open to fragrant gold to golden-orange funnel-shaped flowers with wide petals and red tubes. The pistil and stamens extend well beyond the mouth in a graceful upward curve. The flowers produce a delightful honeysuckle-like fragrance that is enjoyed by butterflies, hummingbirds and humans alike. One of the most heat and humidity tolerant of all the native azaleas. Lustrous, mildew-free, dark green leaves turn orange-bronze in fall.
Landscape & Garden Uses
With an upright rounded irregular form 8 to 10 feet tall and 5 to 6 feet wide, the Florida Flame Native Azalea is perfect for use a specimen or in groupings in woodland borders or other shady to partially shaded areas. That said, it is one of the more sun tolerant azaleas, however we think it looks and performs it's best with a break from the mid afternoon sun. As this native azalea grows taller lower branches can be removed to form a highly attractive small specimen tree for use in home foundation plantings or landscape borders. Also useful in pots, planters and other containers. A fine addition to azalea gardens, orange or yellow theme gardens, native plant gardens and cottage gardens.
Suggested Spacing: 10 feet or more apart for space between plants
Growing Preferences
The Florida Flame Native Azalea is very easy to grow. It prefers moist but well-drained humus rich soil and dappled shade or morning sun with afternoon shade. That said it is more sun tolerant than other native azaleas so can be grown in mostly sun. We just think it looks and performs its best with some shade during the mid afternoon hours. Once established it is quite drought tolerant requiring supplemental water only during prolonged periods of dry summer weather. Native azaleas are very low-maintenance requiring little if any pruning. That said, occasionally we might prune a stray branch that is spoiling the form of the plant.
Helpful Articles
Click on the link below to find helpful advice from our experts on how to plant and care for native azaleas.
How To Plant & Care For Native Azaleas
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This is my first time ordering from Wilson Bros. I have been gardening in northern Kentrucky and in the mountains of western North Carolina for about 25 years. I have bought plants from local nurseries as well as from numerous on line merchants such as Wayside, White Flower Farm, and Bluestone Perennials. I could not find a good sized flame azalea anywhere except Wilson Bros. The plant arrived in excellent shape, a fresh and robust specimen securely packed in perfectly moist potting material. Can't yet report on its performance in the garden, but I will very likely order again from Wilson Bros. It's certainly seems to be far better than the sadly declining Wayside Gardens.-------------------------------------------------------------Thanks for the kind words and wonderful review! We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! :) Beth Steele | WBG
Arrived in excellent condition as usual-----------------------------------------------------------------------We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! Thanks for the kind words and great review! :) Beth Steele | WBG
The flame azalea plant arrived quickly and was packed very carefully and well. So far, it's happy with its new location, but only time will tell. I'm so excited!-------------------------------------------We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! Thanks for the kind words and great review! :) Beth Steele | WBG
Beautiful plant. Arrived in perfect condition. I couldn't be more pleased. Very prompt shipping. I always know that what I order from Wilson Bros. will be excellent and usually arrives within a week. This is an excellent nursery.------------------------------------------We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! Thanks for the kind words and great review! :) Beth Steele | WBG
