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Flame Azalea
Flame Azalea botanical plate
Field guide plate · click to zoom

Flame Azalea

Rhododendron calendulaceum

Honeybees occasionally visit flame azalea for nectar and pollen in late spring, but floral structure favors butterfly pollination and nectar toxins may deter heavy foraging. Peak bloom aligns with May to June, providing a minor early-summer resource in its range. This native deciduous shrub thrives in acidic, well-drained soils with partial shade and requires no special management beyond avoiding over-pruning.

Nectarlow
Pollenlow
BloomMay–June
USDA zones5-7
TypePerennial
Sunpartial
NativeEastern North America
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