Azalea Calendulaceum

Flame Azalea

Azalea calendulaceum (Flame Azalea) is a spectacular native deciduous azalea celebrated for its brilliant flame-colored flowers in shades of yellow, orange, salmon, and red. Blooming in mid to late spring, the large, fragrant, funnel-shaped flowers appear before or as the leaves emerge, creating a dramatic woodland display. Fall foliage turns orange to red, adding a second season of interest.

The shrub develops an upright to spreading habit and is especially valued in naturalistic and native plantings for its vigor and adaptability.

Key features


Width: 6–10 ft



Height: 6–10 ft



Flower color: Yellow, orange, salmon, red (often multicolored)



Bloom time: Mid to late spring



Foliage: Green; deciduous with orange-red fall color



Form: Upright to spreading shrub



Life cycle: Deciduous shrub



Growing conditions


Sun: Full sun to part shade (best flowering with sun)



Soil: Acidic, moist, well-drained; humus-rich



Water: Moderate; drought tolerant once established



Hardiness: USDA Zones 5a–8b



Landscape use


Woodland and native plant gardens



Naturalized areas and forest edges



Specimen shrub



Mixed shrub borders



Notes


One of the showiest native azaleas in North America



Highly attractive to pollinators



Performs best with good air circulation



Mulch to conserve moisture and protect shallow roots



Minimal pruning; prune after flowering only if needed

Plant type

Deciduous Shrub, Flowering Shrub

Height

5'

Width

4'

Hardiness zones

5–8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Slow

Bloom time

Spring

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Red, Yellow

Attracts

Bees

Soil

Loamy well-drained, Sandy well-drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Foundation Plant, Mass Planting

Shape

Broad Upright, Clump

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No