Plumleaf azalea (Rhododendron prunifolium), a deciduous azalea native to Georgia and Alabama, is a particular summer favorite (USDA hardiness zones 6-9). It’s hardy even in Boston, NY City, and Philadelphia. Its bright orange-red blooms surprise in late July to early August. Compared to many fragrant spring blooming native species, flowers emit no scent. Its autumnal leaf color is uneventful.

This 5-8 feet tall and wide shrub is best protected from summer ‘s harsh afternoon sun. Planting on a north or east facing site and in mildly acidic, well-drained, compost rich soil is ideal. Plumleaf azalea appears to prospers calcareous clay soils found in the Eastern Tennessee and Western NC without pH correction.

Irrigate plants the first two years of establishment. Set the shrub into a wide, shallowly dug hole which has been generously amended with compost and/or peat; maintain 2-3 inches of a bark chip type mulch around the shrub base.

Plumleaf azaleas are generally sold at native plant on-line nurseries. Purchase and plant by late summer so that the fine shallow roots get deeply knitted into the soil before winter arrives.

Plumleaf azalea is the signature plant of Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Georgia where I initially purchased the plant which has prospered in my northeast Tennessee garden the past 28 years ago. A new red flower form is becoming more available (see photo).

Plumleaf azaleas bloom on new current season’s wood. Prune this summer bloomer anytime after flowering to maintain desired height and spread.