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| July/August Blooming Plumleaf Azalea |
Plumleaf azalea (Rhododendron prunifolium) is a deciduous azalea that is native to Georgia and Alabama mountains (USDA hardiness zones 6-9). It is one of the signature plants of Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Georgia.
Their bright orange-red flowers surprise in late July into early Augusta and may last for 2 weeks or more. Compared to many other spring blooming native azaleas, flowers are not fragrant. Spring and summer foliage is medium-green and is mostly blemish-free.
Fall leaf color is also uneventful. Insect and disease problems are rare if the plant is properly sited.
This 5-8 feet tall and wide shrub performs best in morning sunlight and shaded from the harsh afternoon summer sun. It thrives in well-drained, compost amended soil. Plumleaf azalea prospers in the calcareous clay soils found in the Appalachian region without pH correction. Plant in full-day light shade in zones 7-9. Set the shrub into a shallow wide dug hole that has been generously amended with compost and/or peat.
Feed in early spring with a slow-release fertilizer such as Osmocote™ or Nutricote™. An alternative nutrition program is to use a water soluble product such as Miracle-Gro™ or Jack's™ in early spring and again in early summer. Maintain 2-3 inches of a pine-based mulch around the base of the shrub. Irrigate plant(s) the first 2 years of establishment.
Plumleaf azalea blooms on new current season's wood. Prune deciduous azaleas anytime after bloom to maintain a desired height and spread. Plumleaf azalea is primarily available at local native plant nurseries or is offered online.
Plumleaf azaleas are usually available from mail order companies on-line.
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