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Rhododendron prunifolium
Rhododendron prunifolium (Small) Millais
Plumleaf Azalea
Ericaceae (Heath Family)
Synonym(s): Azalea prunifolia
USDA Symbol: RHPR2
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
Plum-leaf azalea grows 8-20 ft. high and produces 4- to 5-flowered clusters of orange-red to red, funnel-shaped flowers with protruding stamens. Distinctly shiny, dark-green foliage.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Shrub
Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Breeding System: Flowers Bisexual
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Up to about 20 feet tall.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Red , OrangeBloom Time: Jun , Jul , Aug
Distribution
USA: AL , GANative Distribution: S.e. AL & s.w. GA
Native Habitat: Sandy ravines along stream banks
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Part ShadeSoil Moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
Soil Description: Moist, well-drained soil.
Conditions Comments: Good cultural practices reduce the incidence of disease and insect damage.
Value to Beneficial Insects
Special Value to Bumble BeesThis information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
Propagation
Description: Combine seeds loosely with sphagnum moss and sprinkle lightly over a 2:1 perlite/peat mixture. Optimum temperatures for germination are 45-50 degrees. Transplant seedlings to acid soil with a high content of organic matter. Cultivated evergreen azaleasSeed Treatment: No pretreatment is necessary.
Commercially Avail: yes
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Delaware Nature Society - Hockessin, DE
Mt. Cuba Center - Hockessin, DE
Bibliography
Bibref 1620 - Gardening with Native Plants of the South (Reprint Edition) (2009) Wasowski, S. with A. WasowskiSearch More Titles in Bibliography
Web Reference
Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Rhododendron prunifolium in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Rhododendron prunifolium in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Rhododendron prunifolium
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-04-03Research By: TWC Staff