One of the showiest of native azaleas in our gardens, Rhododendron austrinum 'Andrew J. Borke', is a deciduous Alabama Flame Azalea that wows with a truly spectacular flower show in spring. Abundant clusters of rich red buds open to funnel-shaped flowers with brilliant golden orange ruffled petals and red tubes. The red pistil and stamens extend well beyond the mouth in a graceful upward curve. The flowers produce a delightful honeysuckle-like fragrance. 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 Andrew J. Borke Native Flame 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 nice in pots, planters and other containers. A fine addition to azalea gardens, orange or yellow theme gardens, native plant gardens and cottage gardens.