- Partial Sun to Full Sun (At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 4 - 8 Feet
- Mature Spread 4 - 8 Feet
- Growing Zones 5 - 9
Rhododendron calendulaceum, also known as Flame Azalea, is native to the southern Appalachian mountains and is one of the showiest native shrubs of North America. It is named for its large (2 - 3 inch) funnel-shaped flowers that resemble a candle flame. The flowers appear in clusters, in colors ranging from golden yellow, apricot to scarlet. The long characteristic stamens protrude from the flower and add to the spring display. The American Rhododendron Society named the flame azalea Winner of the Rhododendron Of The Year Award for the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, North East and North West regions.
This is an erect, loosely branched shrub that can reach 4 - 8 feet high and 8 - 10 feet wide over many years. The medium green foliage is deciduous and turns muted yellow or orange in the fall. The blooms appear in May/June and are usually not fragrant. This azalea is resistant to rabbits and attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. Flame azaleas look stunning planted en masse or as a single specimen shrub.
Flame Azalea Plant Care
As a member of the heath family, the flame azalea requires acidic soil, in a pH range of 4.5 - 6.5. The soil should also be evenly moist and well-drained. It prefers part shade and does not tolerate hot summer temperatures and direct afternoon sun. The top of the root ball should be planted slightly above the soil surface to allow its shallow roots to exchange air and drain excess moisture. Apply a weak fertilizer for acid-loving plants after flowering. All parts of this azalea are highly toxic to humans.
Prune flame azaleas after blooming in the spring. Use a pair of pruning shears to remove any dead or diseased branches. You can cut back the shrub by up to a third to control its size. Flame azaleas also benefit from clipping off spent flowers after the blooming season.
Flame Azalea Spacing
If you are growing them in a hedge, space plants at least 6 feet apart to accommodate their spread. The growth rate for this shrub is typically slow, so the hedge may take several years to fill in. A flame azalea should not be kept in a container for more than a few years due to its large size.
Flame Azalea Information
| USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 - 9 |
| Plant Type: Bushes |
| Light Exposure: Partial Sun to Full Sun (At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight) |
| Mature Height: 4 - 8 Feet |
| Mature Spread: 8 - 10 Feet |
| Spacing: 8 - 10 Feet |
| Habit: Upright |
| Flower Color(s): Orange, Red, Yellow |
| Flower Description: |
| Bloom Period: |
| Foliage Type: Deciduous |
| Foliage Color(s): Green |
| Foliage Description: |
| Seasonal Interest: Spring Flowering, Summer Flowering, Fall Flowering |
| Watering: Average |
| Resists: Rabbit |
| Tolerates: Heat, Drought, Salt |
| Attracts: Butterflies |
| Container Role: |
| Uses: Wildlife Gardens |
| Features: Attracts Pollinators |
| Brand: |
| Common Name: Flame Azalea |
| Other Name(s): |
| Scientific Name: AZALEA CALENDULACEUM |
- SKU:
- 1231011715-pc
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
4.5" Pot
Also Known As:
4.5" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
Volume:
1.42 quarts
Quart Pot
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
2.5 Quart
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
#1 Pot
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
#2 Pot
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
#3 Pot
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addicts Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts always guarantees your plant(s) will arrive happy & healthy. However, plant(s) are being shipped through the mail & sometimes accidents happen. If the plant is dead, has dried out roots or the incorrect item was shipped, just notify Plant Addicts within 3 days upon delivery. We may ask for pictures but will try to make it as easy as possible for you. Please note, plant(s) with damaged branches or wilted leaves will not qualify for this guarantee. Plants are very resilient and will rebound quickly when cared for correctly.
For more information on how to care for your new plants, please click on our guide below.
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
We encourage all plant lovers to purchase the Plant Addicts Warranty, whether you're a new gardener or an expert. There are many variables outside of anyone's control that can cause a plant to die. Hungry animals, drought, poor soil conditions, over watering, diseases & pests are all good examples of what can cause plants to die. The Plant Addicts Warranty is a 1 year warranty protecting you from all of the unknowns and will replace your plant if something were to happen to it.
The warranty is purchased on a per plant basis and must be purchased at the same time as the plant(s). We will cover 100% of the price of the plant, but the warranty does not cover shipping costs. SImply let us know if your plant has died within 1 year of receiving it and we will get you a new one shipped out as soon as possible (depending on the time of the year and availability). We may ask for photos for documentation purposes, but we try to make the process as easy as possible.
For more information, please click on our page below.
Plant Shipping
Below are some factors we consider when determining when to ship the plants depending on the timing of the order.
Winter to Early Spring
We ship only when it's warm enough to plant in your growing zone.
Sometimes plants aren't completely ready to sell and ship in early spring. We will wait until the plants are ready before shipping so you don't get a subpar product.
For Southern plants we will be able to ship much earlier than plants coming from our northern nursery.
Summer
If there is extreme heat we may delay shipping for a week or several weeks.
We review what areas the plants are traveling through as well as your location.
Fall into Winter
We’ll ship plants out all the way up to the end of the fall planting season!
Winter
Get your order in early to reserve your plants for Spring planting!
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an automated email with tracking information.
Click here for more detailed shipping information.
Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations