Oconee azalea

Plant Type

Shrub (less than 10 ft)

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

6-8 ft. tall
6-8 ft. wide

Inolerant of

Direct Afternoon Sun

Plant Planting Notes

Provide up to 8 ft spacing.

Plants/Diseases

Oconee azalea is susceptible to infestation of several insects such as aphids, boreres, mites, mealybugs, etc. and may experience canker, crown or root rot, leaf spot, rust, or powdery mildew.

Wildlife Benefits

Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects, Nectar source for hummingbirds

Leaves

Leaves alternate, elliptical with entire margins.

Flowers

red, orange, and sometimes yellow. Tubular with 4-5 petals.

Fruit

Capsule.

Toxicity

High toxicity if ingested.

USDA Hardiness Zones

6, 7, 8

Light Exposure

Part Sun/Shade, Full Shade

Soil Moisture

Moist

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acidic (less than 6.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Stream bluffs, slopes of upland forests, longleaf pine sandhills.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Vulnerable (G3)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Rare in the coastal plain, sandhills, and piedmont. Absent from the mountains.