Plum-leaf azalea
Rhododendron prunifolium
Last reviewed: October 2026
Plum-leaf azalea (Rhododendron prunifolium) is a perennial shrub native to AL, GA. It blooms in July and August. The flowers draw hummingbirds and butterflies.
Plum-leaf 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
Plum-leaf 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
72"–144" H × 60"–96" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, GA
Pollinators
hummingbirds, butterflies
Before you buy
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Browse plants for this ecoregion
A deciduous shrub with glossy, oval leaves and clusters of trumpet-shaped, orange-red flowers that appear in mid to late summer, later than most native azaleas. Grows in the shaded understory along stream bluffs and ravines.
Growing Plum-leaf azalea
Grow Plum-leaf azalea in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 72 to 144 inches tall and spread 60 to 96 inches wide.
Wildlife value
The late summer bloom time provides a rare nectar source when few other native shrubs are flowering, drawing hummingbirds and swallowtail butterflies.
Common questions
- How much sun does Plum-leaf azalea need?
- Plum-leaf azalea grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Plum-leaf azalea bloom?
- Plum-leaf azalea blooms in July and August.
- Where is Plum-leaf azalea native?
- Plum-leaf azalea (Rhododendron prunifolium) is native to AL, GA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- Is Plum-leaf azalea toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Plum-leaf 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 Plum-leaf azalea toxic to cats?
- Yes. Plum-leaf 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 Plum-leaf azalea attract?
- Plum-leaf azalea draws hummingbirds and butterflies.
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 Plum-leaf azalea and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.