Flame Azaleas © 2014 Patty Hankins
Flame Azaleas (rhododendron calendulaceum) are one of the wonderful native azaleas found in the eastern United States. It is known for it’s colorful blossoms that range in color from pale yellows to apricots to bright oranges and reds. The flowers on the flame azaleas bloom before the leaves but so it’s not uncommon to see the brightly colored flowers on what appear to be bare branches surrounded by the soft greens of other shrubs and trees.
Flame Azaleas © 2014 Patty Hankins
Flame Azaleas are native to the Eastern United States. They can be found as far north as Pennsylvania to as as far south as south as Alabama.
Flame Azaleas © 2014 Patty Hankins
Flame Azaleas are deciduous shrubs that can grow as tall as 12 feet tall. Like many other members of the Ericaceae family, they prefer to grow in slightly acidic soil.
Flame Azaleas © 2014 Patty Hankins
I’ve photographed Flame Azaleas several times in places ranging from Georgia to Pennsylvania. My most recent photographs of Flame Azaleas were taken in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee.
Flame Azaleas © 2014 Patty Hankins
I always love seeing the Flame Azaleas in the woods. I’m hoping to see some later this month when I’m in Smokies.
