Rhododendron flammeum

Piedmont azalea is a woody, evergreen, or deciduous shrub in the Ericaceae (blueberry) family. It is native to the mountains of South Carolina and Georgia. The genus name derives from the Greek words rhodo, which means rose, and dendron, meaning tree. This mounding shrub ranges in both height and width from 6 to 8 feet. 

Plant in humus-rich, acidic, moist but well-drained soils in partial shade to dappled shade. As with other azaleas, this species does not tolerate dense clay, so if you have clay soil, amend with organic material. The roots may rot if soil does not drain well. Plant the root ball high in the soil to help with drainage issues. Avoid overwatering and over-fertilizing. Pruning, if desired, may be done after flowering.  

The tubular, showy flowers appear in large clusters in the spring in a variety of colors from yellow to pink to red and attract both hummingbirds and bees. For an azalea, It is tolerant of heat and humidity.

Use in a woodland garden, for naturalizing, foundation plantings, or as a specimen, hedge, or shady shrub border.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Insect problems include aphids, borers, lace bugs, leafhoppers, mealybugs, mites, nematodes, scale, thrips, and whitefly. Diseases include canker, crown rot, root rot, leaf spot, rust, and powdery mildew. (Deer damage may or may not be a problem.) 

While these shrubs remain very popular for landscape use, many cultivars are susceptible to Phytophthora root rot—this leads to leaf loss, reduced vigor, branch dieback, and wilting. Implement good cultural practices first, such as improving drainage with organic matter or berms and avoiding overwatering or overfertilization. However, if you have a site with a history of this disease, consider planting one of the root rot-resistant alternative species listed in the left-hand sidebar. 

For suitable alternatives, see this video created by Charlotte Glen as part of the Plants, Pests, and Pathogens series.

VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

More information on Rhododendron.