flame azalea

Plant Type

Shrub (less than 10 ft)

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

4-8 ft. tall
8-10 ft. wide

Inolerant of

Poorly Drained Soil, Direct Afternoon Sun

Propagation

By seed

Plant Propagation Notes

Flame azalea is challenging to grow from seed and slow to establish. Germinates best at 45-50 degrees in a 2:1 perlite/peat mixture.

Plant Planting Notes

Provide up to 10 ft spacing.

Plants/Diseases

Numerous insects and diseases may affect flame azalea including aphids, borers, lace bugs, mealybugs, mites, canker, crown rot, leaf spot, and rust.

Wildlife Benefits

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

Leaves

Leaves alternate, elliptical to obovate with entire or serrate margins.

Flowers

Large Showy funnel-shaped flowers on racemes.

Fruit

Capsule.

Bark

Finely shredded with a gray to brown coloration.

Toxicity

All parts of the plant are highly toxic if ingested.

USDA Hardiness Zones

5, 6, 7

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

Mountain slope in deciduous forests.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Uncommon in the South Carolina piedmont. Common in the mountains. Absent from the coastal plain and sandhills.