Lilly Anderson-Messec is manager of Native Nurseries and a volunteer writer for UF/IFAS Extension Leon County, an Equal Opportunity Institution. Rhododendron austrinum (Flame Azalea or Florida Flame Azalea) can grow up to 10ft. It blooms best when planted in a sunny spot that provides some shade during the day. With each new individual I encountered along my path that spring day, I noticed differences in their blooms. I was revisiting a favorite location in Chattahoochee that is teeming with rare and unusual plant species. Don't Plant Without These! With elation, I realized I had come upon our native Florida flame azalea, Rhododendron austrinum, blooming in the wild! ‘Camilla’s Blush’ is a selection with ball-shaped trusses of soft pink … One of the most alluring aspects of our native wildflowers, trees, and shrubs is the genetic variation they often exhibit. My favorite individual had a pale-yellow flower face, adorned with contrasting bright pink stamens and pink throats. This genetic variability makes the entire species more adaptable to change in their environment. Scientific Name: Rhododendron austrinum. It grows well in our area too. We also carry the Alabama Azalea (white with a yellow throat), Hammock Sweet Azalea (pure white summer-blooming), Plumleaf Azalea (red-orange) and Oconee Azalea (shades of orange, salmon, yellow and pink). Rhododendron austrinum is a species of flowering plant in the heath family known by the common names Florida flame azalea, honeysuckle azalea, Southern yellow azalea, and orange azalea. This Florida flame azalea had solid, sunny yellow blooms. Florida azalea is an excellent choice for the landscape, for use in the back of the border or alone as a specimen. Although I assumed I might become bored with the same spots, or the Panhandle in general, every year I am delighted to discover new flora and fauna. Orders will continue to be shipped ever Monday, weather permitting, through April 2020. With each new individual I encountered along my path that spring day, I noticed differences in their blooms. They may differ in traits that are not visible as well, like susceptibility to pests and disease or their tolerance of varying conditions, such as temperature and humidity. 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Plant them properly, with the first main root at or just above soil level and keep them well-watered throughout the first year. I often see our more common native Piedmont azalea, Rhododendron canescens, with its blush-pink flowers blooming in the wild, but the Florida flame is … Quick view. It is native from northern Florida and southern Georgia west to southern Alabama and Mississippi where it is most often found in moist woods and along streams. The Florida Flame Azalea is native to the panhandle area of Florida, as well as southern Georgia. This magnificent species is certainly one of the showiest of the native azaleas. As I followed the stream, I noticed a blaze of bright orange up ahead. Many native plant nurseries carry seed-grown native Florida flame azaleas. Zone 6-9 . The Florida Flame Orange Azalea has a very bright orange color that is very rare among azalea plants. In return, they will reward you each spring with their fragrant, flaming blooms. Florida flame azaleas are a superb example of visible genetic variation. wide (7 cm), with buds resembling candle flames (hence the common name). The most showy of all native azaleas. This years crop of Flordia Flame Azaleas most are not budded ,but are good size plants, which most should set buds for next Spring. One plant had tight clusters of clear tangerine blooms, the next was a solid yellow-gold, while another exhibited a bright tangerine flower face, yet the tubular throat of the flower was a gradient from dark orange to deep purple red. The Florida Flame Orange Azalea is a very heavy bloomer and is very impressive in the spring time. You can experience these glorious fragrant shrubs in your yard too. Special Features: Winner of the Rhododendron of the Year Award. Flower Color: Golden orange. USDA Zones 7-9. Florida flame azalea is well-noted for its vivid display of yellow-orange, slightly fragrant, clustered blooms appearing in spring before the new leaves emerge. CPES Orange Native Azalea Florida Flame Native Azalea Shrubs Piedmont White Native Azalea Bush Watch Us … Get a handle on homegrown tomatoes in containers! Goosebumps! Of the five Rhododendron in Florida, Rhododendron austrinum , R. alabamense , and R. minus var. Many native plant nurseries carry seed-grown native Florida flame azaleas. A showy, deciduous shrub, flame azalea (Rhododendron calendulaceum) is native to the Appalachian Mountain region. Others are content to be surprised the following spring. Like many of our native endangered plant species, Florida flame azalea is low-maintenance if you provide the right conditions. Here are some tips for growing happy healthy Native Azaleas: Plant in filtered shade (about 50% shade/50% sun) in a well drained area. With elation, I realized I had come upon our native Florida flame azalea, Rhododendron austrinum, blooming in the wild! Popular choices include the Florida flame azalea (Rhododendron austrinum), which blooms in April with orange, yellow or scarlet flowers. Soil: Loamy, sandy, or clay soils. These visible differences are seen even if all the plants originated from the same seedpod. For gardening questions, email the extension office at AskAMasterGardener@ifas.ufl.edu. Name Phone City Size Other info; 7 Pines Native Plant Nursery (850) 830-8996: Defuniak Springs #1: Florida Flame orange azalea: 94: Anson Nursery (352) 628-4554 With such varying color differences between individual plants, many homeowners prefer to shop in spring so they can choose the exact color they want. I hope that sharing my joy and excitement for this remarkable region will inspire you to explore and appreciate it as well. Transferred from the Greek name for Nerium oleander. chapmanii are listed as endangered and illegal to remove. These visible differences are seen even if all the plants originated from the same seedpod. Like many of our native endangered plant species, Florida flame azalea is low-maintenance if you provide the right conditions. It is present in Georgia and is rarely found in Alabama, Florida and Mississippi (Kartesz, 1999). The two earliest species to bloom are also our two most common; the Florida flame azalea, Rhododendron austrinum, and the Piedmont azalea, Rhododendron canescent. You can experience these glorious fragrant shrubs in your yard too. The gorgeous Rhododendron austrinum or Florida flame azalea (Figure 1) is found in Baker County and the western portion of the panhandle (Figure 2). Partial Shade. A showy, deciduous shrub, flame azalea (Rhododendron calendulaceum) is native to the Appalachian Mountain region. Has large orange blooms May-June, colors vary from yellow to red, most are orange, 10" to 16", grows to 10' or larger. I have been exploring the natural environs of the Florida Panhandle for many years, often returning to favorite spots regularly. The Florida Flame Azalea, R. austrinum, comes next with blooms in shades of sunny yellow to deep gold, tangerine, or even apricot.Both of these species are very fragrant. Of the five Rhododendron in Florida, Rhododendron austrinum , R. alabamense , and R. minus var. I hope you consider planting more native species in your own yard and supporting conservation of this unique region so that future generations can experience the same delight and awe. Care Instructions for Native Azaleas Water: Maintain moist soil. One of the most alluring aspects of our native wildflowers, trees, and shrubs is the genetic variation they often exhibit. Although I assumed I might become bored with the same spots, or the Panhandle in general, every year I am delighted to discover new flora and fauna. It is occasionally found in hammocks and floodplain forests in Baker county and the central and western panhandle (Wunderlin, 2003). 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