When does Flame Azalea bloom?

Flame Azalea blooms in May and June, producing clusters of orange, yellow, or red trumpet shaped flowers before the leaves fully expand.

What pollinators visit Flame Azalea?

Bees and hummingbirds are the main visitors to Flame Azalea, attracted to its bright, nectar rich flowers during the spring bloom period.

How much light does Flame Azalea need?

Flame Azalea does best in part shade but can also handle full sun or deeper shade if given consistent moisture and some protection from midday heat.

What water and soil conditions suit Flame Azalea?

This shrub prefers medium, evenly moist, well drained soil and struggles in both waterlogged ground and prolonged dry spells.

What kind of growth form does Flame Azalea have?

Flame Azalea grows as a multi stemmed woodland shrub, often forming an open, upright habit in the understory or along forest edges.

Is Flame Azalea toxic to dogs?

Yes. Flame 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 Flame Azalea toxic to cats?

Yes. Flame 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.

Is Flame Azalea HOA-friendly?

Flame Azalea is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Flame Azalea

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Rhododendron calendulaceum

Last reviewed: September 2026

Rhododendron calendulaceum, the Flame Azalea, is a deciduous shrub with orange to red flowers blooming in May and June, growing well in part shade along woodland edges and mountain slopes.

Flame Azalea (Rhododendron calendulaceum) — Photo: no rights reserved

Flame Azalea is toxic to dogs and cats.

Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-05-21). 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 shade

Water

medium

Size

60"–120" H × 60"–120" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

AL, GA, KY, MD and 8 more states

Pollinators

bees, hummingbirds

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Piedmont Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Central Appalachians Western Allegheny Plateau

Flame azalea is a striking native deciduous shrub that produces brilliant orange to red tubular flowers in late spring. It grows into a large, rounded shrub that provides excellent seasonal interest with its showy blooms and fall foliage color. This woodland native prefers partial shade and consistent moisture.

Growing Flame Azalea

Grow Flame Azalea in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 60 to 120 inches tall and spread 60 to 120 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Flame Azalea is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Large mature size requires adequate space planning

Wildlife value

Host plant for azalea sphinx moth.

The tubular flowers are particularly attractive to hummingbirds and native bees during the late spring bloom period. As a native rhododendron, it supports specialized pollinators that have co-evolved with these plants.

Common questions

When does Flame Azalea bloom?: Flame Azalea blooms in May and June, producing clusters of orange, yellow, or red trumpet shaped flowers before the leaves fully expand.
What pollinators visit Flame Azalea?: Bees and hummingbirds are the main visitors to Flame Azalea, attracted to its bright, nectar rich flowers during the spring bloom period.
How much light does Flame Azalea need?: Flame Azalea does best in part shade but can also handle full sun or deeper shade if given consistent moisture and some protection from midday heat.
What water and soil conditions suit Flame Azalea?: This shrub prefers medium, evenly moist, well drained soil and struggles in both waterlogged ground and prolonged dry spells.
What kind of growth form does Flame Azalea have?: Flame Azalea grows as a multi stemmed woodland shrub, often forming an open, upright habit in the understory or along forest edges.
Is Flame Azalea toxic to dogs?: Yes. Flame 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 Flame Azalea toxic to cats?: Yes. Flame 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.
Is Flame Azalea HOA-friendly?: Flame Azalea is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. 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

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