How much sun does Cumberland azalea need?

Cumberland azalea grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Cumberland azalea bloom?

Cumberland azalea blooms in June and July.

Where is Cumberland azalea native?

Cumberland azalea (Rhododendron cumberlandense) is native to AL, GA, KY, NC and 2 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Cumberland azalea toxic to dogs?

Yes. Cumberland azalea is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Is Cumberland azalea toxic to cats?

Yes. Cumberland azalea is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

What pollinators does Cumberland azalea attract?

Cumberland azalea draws swallowtail butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees.

Cumberland azalea

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Rhododendron cumberlandense

Last reviewed: September 2026

Cumberland azalea is toxic to dogs and cats.

Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-08-15). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.

Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

36"–72" H × 36"–60" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul

Native to

AL, GA, KY, NC and 2 more states

Pollinators

swallowtail butterflies, hummingbirds, bees

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Piedmont Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Eastern Temperate Forests Central Appalachians

A deciduous azalea of open woodlands that blooms notably later than most native azaleas, producing clusters of vivid orange-red flowers in early summer well after the leaves have fully expanded. It keeps a neat, upright, rounded form.

Wildlife value

Its bright, tubular flowers are a strong draw for swallowtail butterflies and hummingbirds during the summer bloom window.

Common questions

How much sun does Cumberland azalea need?: Cumberland azalea grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Cumberland azalea bloom?: Cumberland azalea blooms in June and July.
Where is Cumberland azalea native?: Cumberland azalea (Rhododendron cumberlandense) is native to AL, GA, KY, NC and 2 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Cumberland azalea toxic to dogs?: Yes. Cumberland azalea is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Is Cumberland azalea toxic to cats?: Yes. Cumberland azalea is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
What pollinators does Cumberland azalea attract?: Cumberland azalea draws swallowtail butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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