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Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

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Saturday - April 26, 2008

From: Charleston , SC
Region: Southeast
Topic: Plant Identification
Title: Locating Rhododendron calendulaceum
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

Trying to locate Rhododendron calendulaceum

ANSWER:

Rhododendron calendulaceum (flame azalea) is native to North America, more specifically, to the Appalachians. However, it grows naturally in South Carolina, so you should be able to grow it well in Charleston. Here is an article by Joe Bruso of the American Rhododendron Society on the Flame Azalea, "Species in our Midst". If you contact some of the suppliers on our Native Suppliers List in the Charleston area, you should be able to find growing specimens of the plant you are looking for.

 

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