One of the latest of all North American native azaleas to bloom, the Plum Leaf Azalea, Rhododendron prunifolium, sets the landscape ablaze in mid to late summer with its abundant fiery red to orange-red trumpet flowers against a backdrop of shiny, dark green leaves. Butterflies and hummingbirds will certainly appreciate the late-season flowers. The foliage turns a plum color in fall, hence the name. All grown up, the Plum Leaf Azalea might reach 8 to 12 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide with visually pleasing layered branching. An excellent specimen or grouping in partially shaded woodland or landscape borders and other areas where it will have some shade or filtered sun during the afternoon hours. The Plum Leaf Azalea is one that will always have you looking forward to its delightful bloom in late summer.

Landscape & Garden Uses

Growing 8 to 12 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide, the Plum Leaf Native Azalea is perfect for use a specimen or in clusters in partially to mostly shaded landscape or woodland borders, or other shady to partially shaded areas. To flower its best provide a few hours of sunlight per day or all-day filtered sun. As this native azalea grows taller lower branches can be removed to form a highly attractive small specimen tree. Also useful in pots, planters and other containers. A fine addition to azalea gardens, native plant gardens, butterfly gardens, red or orange theme gardens, and cottage gardens.