Plumleaf Azalea (Rhododendron prunifolium)

From my garden here is a look today (July 28th) at plumleaf azalea (Rhododendron prunifolium). Plumleaf is an Alabama native, and its orangey red flowers has been growing in my east Tennessee garden for the past 15+ years.

It is hardy to zone 5-b (- 15°F) which includes most of the mid-Atlantic and southern New England states. Plumleaf handles Southern clay and mid-6.0 pH soils quite well. Flowering time is nearly two weeks long, mostly in morning sunlight.  A red and pinkish-red flowering selections are now available.

Annual care is minimal, including little pruning, nutrition and watering chores. There have been no disease or insect problems over the years. I admit to irrigating established shrubs during severe dry spells.

Plumleaf azalea may be purchased from most native plant vendors in the Southeastern U.S., several within reasonably close drive of your home or on-line. I purchased my plant, seems like a long time ago, at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, GA .