Florida Native Azaleas

Florida has several varieties of wild azalea, many of which can be cultivated as part of a designed landscape. Using native woodland plants like these in your landscaping can benefit you as well as the local environment. Native plants usually need less care and water than imported or exotic species. They provide food and habitat for local wildlife, including birds and butterflies. And there is no danger of them becoming invasive.

One benefit of Florida's native azaleas is that the flowers tend to have a delightful fragrance as well as looking gorgeous. Flower colors range from deep gold to orange to white to pink depending on variety. Most native azaleas bloom during late spring, just like the hybrid azaleas often found in backyard landscapes.

Here are the details on how to grow some of our favorite native azaleas.

Florida Flame Azalea

Florida Flame Azalea (rhododendron austrinum) is a perennial deciduous azalea native to North Florida. Its showy flowers, in fiery orange and yellow hues, put on a fine display in spring, typically beginning in late March or early May. The gorgeous, fragrant flowers are an attractive food source for hummingbirds, butterflies and bees.

Florida flame azalea thrives in well-drained, acidic soil. It prefers sandy soil, though it cannot tolerate salt. It is hardy in Zones 6-9. Once established, this native azalea is easy to care for. It grows as a shrub with multiple stems and reaches ten to fifteen feet in height.

The gorgeous display of this deciduous shrub's spring flowers means it works well alone as a specimen plant. It also looks great at the back of borders or garden beds.

Chapman's Azalea

Chapman's Azalea, aka Chapman's Rhododendron (rhododendron chapmanii) is a rare native plant in Florida. Florida's only native evergreen azalea, this small shrub grows three to six feet tall and spreads three to six feet wide. Its showy pink flowers usually bloom in March or April.

This native species is endemic to Florida, where it is so rare as to be endangered. It occurs naturally in the Panhandle but is hardy in Zones 8-9, meaning it can be cultivated in North and Central Florida. It is best propagated by cuttings or divisions as it is not easy to grow from seed.

Chapman's Azalea grows best in loam or sandy soil. Well-draining, acid soil is preferred. Soil moisture should be minimal, as this Florida azalea is not tolerant of flooding or of damp environments. It is an important food source for bumble bees and also attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.

Swamp Azalea

Swamp Azalea, rhododendron viscosum, is the only Florida native azalea to bloom during the summer. Its small, showy white flowers appear at midsummer. These fragrant blooms not only look great but also have a delightful sweet fragrance. They will attract lots of beneficial pollinators to your yard.

As the name suggests, Swamp Azalea naturally grows on swamp edges and in other damp environments. It can be tricky to establish this beautiful perennial shrub in a landscaped environment because it needs wet soil even during the summer months. It would be perfect for an area that gets lots of runoff from rainfall or is usually damp. Additional irrigation may be needed during dry periods.

Pinxter Azalea

Pinxter Azalea, rhododendron canescens, is a native azalea with flowers in a range of colors from white to pale pink to dark pink. As a wild azalea it is often found growing alongside creeks.

This long-lived perennial blooms in spring. It is suitable for growing in Zones 8A to 9B. It grows 10-15 feet tall and prefers moist soil. Its beautiful pink blooms stand out when it is used as a specimen plant; this deciduous shrub also works well as part of a mass planting.

Planning your Native Landscape

If you would like help planning and implementing a landscape design that uses a wide range of native shrubs such as Florida's azaleas, dogwoods, chickasaw plum and other native woodland plants, don't hesitate to get in touch with us at LawnMore Gainesville. Our experienced consultants can help you plan your ideal backyard landscape, using plants that will work well in your soil type and local climate.