Flame Azalea
Rhododendron calendulaceum
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Ericaceae
- Genus:
- Rhododendron
- Species:
- Rhododendron calendulaceum
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub
- Height:
- 12-20 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- may, jun
- Bloom Colors:
- Red, Orange, Yellow
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Native Range
United States: Alabama, Connecticut, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★☆☆☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar), Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus), King's hairstreak (Satyrium kingi), Striped Hairstreak (Satyrium liparops)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Two-spotted bumble bee (Bombus bimaculatus), Two-spotted bumble bee (Bombus bimaculatus)
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 4.5 - 6.0 (acidic)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Prefers cool, shaded environments
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: Mix 0.1 - 0.2 gram of seed with between 4 and 8 grams of talc and sift over the surface of moist media.
Establishment: Most mortality occurs during the slow-growth, 2-leaf period when seedlings can become necrotic and die. By mid-March with longer day lengths, seedlings start to grow. Excessive temperatures can cause damage to the growing terminals.
Source: npn.rngr.net