Add sizzle to the spring garden and drama to autumn with these beautiful native shrubs.
Flame azalea(Rhododendron calendulaceum)is among the most spectacularNorth American native shrubsyou can grow.
It attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators.
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Flame azaleas common name refers to the resemblance of its colorful, upright flower buds to candle flames.
Use these tips to grow flame azaleas in your garden.
Amend heavy soil withorganic matterand adjust thepH to 4.56.0before planting.
Credit:Kindra Clineff
The optimum light conditions are sun-dappled shade or open shade.
While the shrub will grow in full shade, it produces fewer flowers there.
Some protection fromdrying winter windsis beneficial.
Credit:Denny Schrock
It makes a stunning specimen plant or addition to the back of amixed border garden.
How and When to Plant Flame Azalea
Plant flame azaleas in spring or fall.
Dig a hole about twice as wide and equal depth as the pot the plant is growing in.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Remove it from the pot and loosen the root ball to encourage the roots to spread.
Backfill the hole with soil and then water thoroughly.
Light
Flame azaleas do best inpart shadeless than 6 hours of direct sun per day.
Credit: Andre' Baranowski
They love sun-dappled shade and open shade.
In full shade, they will not produce as many flowers.
Soil and Water
Moist,well-drained soilis essential for success when growing flame azaleas.
Credit: Justin Hancock
These shrubs do not do well inheavy clay, and they dont like wet feet.
If your soil pH exceeds 6.0, amend it with a soil acidifier.
Adding organic matter such as compost at planting time helps the soil retain some moisture.
Water newly planted shrubs regularly but allow the soil to dry somewhat between waterings.
After they are established, flame azaleas are drought-tolerant.
Fertilizer
The best time tofertilize flame azaleasis just after they finish blooming.
Cut these back to a healthy branch or bud as soon as you notice them.
Flame azalea doesnt thrive as a houseplant and benefits from being transplanted into the ground.
Deer browsing may be a problem where deer populations are high.
Root rot can occur when azaleas are grown in heavy soil or soil that doesnt drain well.
If root rot occurs, do not replant an azalea or rhododendron in that spot.
Powdery mildewa plant disease that creates a powdery coating on leaves and flowersoccasionally occurs where air circulation is limited.
Improve air circulation by pruning to thin the branches.
Bend a lower branch so that part of it rests on the soil surface.
Scrape away a bit of the outer bark where it touches the soil and apply rooting hormone.
Hold it in place in direct contact with the soil using a rock or landscape pin.
Flame azaleas can be propagated bysoftwood cuttingsof new growth taken from mid-April through early May.
Prepare a small pot with amended garden soil or a soilless mix.
Water as needed to keep the medium moist.
Keep the soil moist but not soggy and place the pot in bright light.
For even faster germination, keep the temperature close to 70F andadd a grow light.
The seeds germinate in two to three weeks.
Overwinter the seedlings in a cold frame or protected area before transplanting them to the garden.
The young plants will flower in three to four years.
Types of Flame Azalea
Chatooga
Rhododendron calendulaceumChatooga bears flowers that are 2 inches across.
They are attractive, ruffled, pink flowers with a yellow blotch.
The shrub grows 8 to 12 feet tall and 5 to 8 feet wide and offers excellent fall color.
It grows to 12 feet tall and 8 feet wide.
In fall, the foliage is spectacular.
It often grows near flame azaleas in the wild.
Bleeding Heart
Bleeding heart(Dicentraspp.)
works well in part shade.
This classic English garden staple adds color to the woodland garden floor or shady border beneath flame azaleas.
It is quick to come up in the spring.
Trillium
Trillium(Trilliumspp.)
is an excellent woodland plant.
This perennial grows best in a shady spot, where it blooms in spring.
It spreads slowly to form a clump, so give it room to expand.
It is somewhat particular but thrives in the right spot.
Coral Bells
Coral bells(Heucheraspp.)
come in a rainbow of colors.
They are extremely low maintenance as long as they arent kept too wet.
A location with partial shade brings out the lovely colors of the leaves.
Extend the flowering period by deadheading spent blooms.
The flowers last about two weeks.
These shrubs can live for 50 years or more if they are grown in ideal conditions.
Old specimens may reach 20 feet tall.
Although some may have a slight scent, most flame azaleas are not noticeably fragrant.
