Alabama azalea
Rhododendron alabamense
Last reviewed: October 2026
Toxicity unknown
Alabama azalea (Rhododendron alabamense) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
48"–72" H × 48"–72" W
Bloom
Apr, May
Native to
AL, FL, GA, MS and 1 more states
Pollinators
bumble bees, swallowtail butterflies, hummingbirds
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 460 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Browse plants for this ecoregion
A deciduous native azalea with very fragrant white flowers marked with a yellow blotch, opening in spring just as the leaves emerge. It grows into a loose, open shrub with a spreading habit and prefers moist, acidic, well-drained soil in dappled light along woodland edges and streambanks. Fall color is a modest bronze-yellow.
In an HOA neighborhood
Alabama azalea is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: foundation planting, woodland border, backyard shade bed.
- Loose, open habit looks less formal than clipped azaleas
- Deciduous, so bare stems in winter
Wildlife value
Long, tubular flowers offer nectar to hummingbirds, swallowtail butterflies and bumble bees during a spring bloom window when few other shrubs are flowering.
Common questions
- How much sun does Alabama azalea need?
- Alabama azalea grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Alabama azalea bloom?
- Alabama azalea blooms in April and May.
- Where is Alabama azalea native?
- Alabama azalea (Rhododendron alabamense) is native to AL, FL, GA, MS and 1 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Alabama azalea attract?
- Alabama azalea draws bumble bees, swallowtail butterflies, and hummingbirds.
- Is Alabama azalea HOA-friendly?
- Alabama azalea is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Alabama azalea? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.