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| FLAME AZALEA |
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| RHODODENDRON X 'ORANGE LIGHTS'... |
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| ...FLOWER TRUSS |
The glorious flame azalea pictured, Rhododendron calendulaceum, in the Heath Family (Ericaceae), is blooming in Washburn. It is located on the west side of Hwy. 13, on the north side of town. It is very large, and makes a striking image on the edge of a small woodlot. This azalea (a deciduous Rhododendron) is native to the southern Appalachian Mountains, from southern NY and Ohio to northern Georgia. It should be noted that all Rhododendrons are highly toxic to humans and animals, but it is unlikely any would be ingested by humans, and I have not heard of any human dermatological problems. They should be deer proof.
The best public azalea and Rhododendron display I know of is at Calloway Gardens, in Pine Mountain, Georgia, an hour's drive west of Atlanta. The mild environment here along the shores of Lake Superior, and our sandy, acid soils allow this plant to survive here. They do best north in light shade.
Other hardy Rhododendron species and varieties, including the above introduction from the University of Minnesota, 'Orange Lights,' also do well, as do some from the University of Helsinki, Finland, and from Canadian sources. As with the flame azalea, they all will appreciate light to moderate shade, adequate moisture and a well drained, acid soil.
Azaleas have such vibrant flower colors that they are difficult to use in our rather subdued northern landscapes, but as focal points and collections they can be spectacular. They really do not fit in a purely native northern landscape, but can be interwoven successfully into a naturalistic landscape display.
But one cannot help but say "Wow!" when confronted with a large, blooming flame azalea.
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