Cumberland azalea
Rhododendron cumberlandense
Last reviewed: October 2026
Cumberland azalea (Rhododendron cumberlandense) is a perennial shrub native to AL, GA, KY, NC and 2 more states. It blooms in June and July. The flowers draw swallowtail butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees.
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) 426-4435 and your veterinarian's emergency line.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.
Native swaps for a yard with pets
Cumberland azalea is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. These natives fill a similar role in a planting and are not on the ASPCA toxic plant list for dogs or cats. Each plant's page carries its dated record.
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
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 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.
Growing Cumberland azalea
Grow Cumberland azalea in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 36 to 72 inches tall and spread 36 to 60 inches wide.
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.
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
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Cumberland azalea and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.