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.