Oconee azalea
Rhododendron flammeum
Last reviewed: October 2026
Oconee azalea (Rhododendron flammeum) is a perennial shrub native to GA, SC. It blooms in March and April. The flowers draw hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees.
Oconee 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
Oconee 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 shade
Water
medium
Size
60"–120" H × 48"–72" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr
Native to
GA, SC
Pollinators
hummingbirds, butterflies, bees
Before you buy
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Browse plants for this ecoregion
A deciduous woodland azalea that produces clusters of bright orange to red flowers on bare branches before the leaves fully emerge each spring. It forms an upright, rounded understory shrub.
Growing Oconee azalea
Grow Oconee azalea in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 60 to 120 inches tall and spread 48 to 72 inches wide.
Wildlife value
Early, showy blooms are an important nectar source for hummingbirds returning in spring, along with bees and butterflies.
Common questions
- How much sun does Oconee azalea need?
- Oconee azalea grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Oconee azalea bloom?
- Oconee azalea blooms in March and April.
- Where is Oconee azalea native?
- Oconee azalea (Rhododendron flammeum) is native to GA, SC, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- Is Oconee azalea toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Oconee 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 Oconee azalea toxic to cats?
- Yes. Oconee 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 Oconee azalea attract?
- Oconee azalea draws hummingbirds, butterflies, 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 Oconee azalea and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.