Discovered by Earl Sommerville in the southwest corner of Georgia and one of the larger growing native azaleas to 15 feet tall and 12 feet wide, 'Evening Sunset' is another choice, rare and hard-to-find Rhododendron austrinum that dominates the landscape with an absolutely breathtaking and abundant display of orange funnel-shaped flowers in large ball trusses. The flowers produce a delightful honeysuckle-like fragrance that is enjoyed by butterflies, hummingbirds and humans alike. The pistil and stamens extend well beyond the mouth of the flower in a graceful upward curve. One of the most heat and humidity tolerant of all the native azaleas, it is a more vigorous grower than the species. Mildew-free, dark green leaves turn orange-bronze in fall for extra appeal.

Landscape & Garden Uses

With an upright rounded irregular form to 15 feet tall and 12 feet wide, the Southern Sunset Native Azalea is perfect for use a specimen or in clusters in woodland borders or other shady to partially shaded areas. 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.