shrubN. America Native

Florida Azalea

$34.00

The Story

Plant Bio

Rhododendron austrinum, commonly known as Florida azalea, is a deciduous multi-stemmed shrub native to wooded bluffs and stream banks of the southeastern United States. It forms an upright, loose branching structure reaching eight to fifteen feet tall with reddish-brown winter twigs and simple alternate foliage.

In early spring before the leaves fully emerge, dense terminal clusters of tubular funnel-shaped blossoms open in shades of yellow, peach, orange, or soft red with long protruding stamens. The fragrant blooms possess a contrasting darker central tube and produce abundant nectar that attracts early-season pollinators and hummingbirds.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces highly fragrant orange, peach, and yellow tubular spring blossoms before leaves emerge.

Thrives in acidic, shaded native woodland settings where non-acid-loving shrubs fail.

Serves as an essential early-season nectar source for hummingbirds, bumblebees, and native bees.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

144"

Width

84"

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Southeastern United States

Toxicity

High - toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Early spring – Spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Rocky Knoll Farm

1+ Gal Pot

In Stock$34.00

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a partial shade site protected from intense afternoon sunlight.
Amend sandy or loamy soil with composted leaf mold or peat moss to lower pH below 5.5.
Set the plant elevated slightly above the soil line to ensure rapid water drainage.
Apply a 3-inch mulch layer of pine straw or shredded bark over the shallow root zone.
Water regularly during the first growing season to maintain uniform moisture.

Pro Tip

Prune lightly immediately after spring flowering finishes; cutting late in summer removes next season's flower buds, while heading back into bare old wood prevents regrowth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Maintain an acidic soil pH below 6.0.
Mulch annually with pine straw or leaf mold to keep shallow roots cool.
Plant in elevated beds or slopes to ensure efficient soil drainage.

Don't

Do not plant in dense, unamended heavy clay soil.
Do not prune hard into leafless old wood.
Do not apply heavy synthetic nitrogen fertilizers.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Woodland GardenNative Plant GardenShade GardenShrub Border

Companion Plants

Polystichum acrostichoides Kalmia latifolia Heuchera americana Acer palmatum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Florida Azalea questions

What zones can Florida Azalea grow in?

Florida Azalea is hardy in USDA Zones 7–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Florida Azalea deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Florida Azalea, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Florida Azalea bloom?

Florida Azalea typically blooms in early spring through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Florida Azalea need full sun?

Florida Azalea does best in part shade.

Is Florida Azalea drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Florida Azalea handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.