Rhododendron indicum 'Flame Creeper'

Flame Creeper Azalea, Southern Indica Azalea

Flame Creeper (Rhododendron ‘Flame Creeper’) is an evergreen azalea with orange flowers. Its display arrives late in the rhododendron flowering season, with the exact timing influenced by local weather. Individual flowers measure about 1½ inches across.

The plant develops outward-spreading growth. Its foliage is retained through winter, keeping a leafy framework between flowering seasons. Its low early growth makes it useful near the front of a planting where the flowers remain easy to see.

Give it acidic, humus-rich soil that stays moist and drains freely. A sheltered position with filtered light or morning sun is a useful starting point; protect the roots from prolonged drying and keep mulch clear of the stems.

Size guide
• Height: About 2 ft at 10 years; growth continues afterward
• Width: Allow for the cultivar’s natural branch spread; a verified numerical spread is not available in this reference.

Hardiness
• Approximate cold tolerance: 5°F
• USDA cold-limit equivalent: Zone 7b
This equivalence is calculated from the published temperature rating. Local conditions and summer climate also affect performance.

Best Uses
• Border
• Rock Garden
• Accent Plant

Plant type

Broadleaf Evergreen, Evergreen Shrub, Flowering evergreen shrub

Height

2 ft+

Width

2'

Hardiness zones

7b–9

Sunlight

Part shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Spring to summer

Flower color

Orange

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Green

Soil

Acidic, Humus rich, Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Border, Rock Garden

Shape

Spreading

Bark

Smooth

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

No

Deer resistant

No

Salt tolerant

No

Drought tolerant

No

10-year height

2 ft