Another superb selection from the Earl Sommerville collection, 'Jakes Red' is a compact Rhododendron flammeum, commonly known as Oconee Azalea, that might reach 4 feet tall and wide in 10 years or so, making it ideal for use in smaller garden spaces and containers. Though it is smaller growing it still features the same large ball-shaped flower clusters as it cousins but in a unique, glowing, light orange red. The abundant bloom occurs in early to mid spring with each cluster containing up to 15 red buds that open to funnel-shaped, 2-inch flowers with showy stamens to 2” long. A rare beauty excellent for growing in shady woodland areas, on dry slopes, and around garden ponds, streams and other bodies of water.

Jake's Red Native Azalea is very easy to grow in a moist but well-drained humus rich soil and morning sun with afternoon shade or all-day dappled shade. As with most other azaleas, this one does not like constantly soggy or waterlogged soil. This one prefers a cool, shady environment but will tolerate some direct sun in the morning and evening. Deciduous azaleas are very low-maintenance requiring little if any pruning. That said, occasionally we might prune a stray branch that is spoiling the natural form of the plant.