Status in Florida: The natural range is the Coastal Plain of Georgia and Alabama 
Native Habitat: Dry upland forests, open longleaf pine woodlands, woodland slopes, and sandy ridges along the Coastal Plain 
Growing Zones: 8a, 8b, 9a 
Size at Maturity: 6–12 ft tall, 6–10 ft wide 
Phenology: Deciduous, Winter dormant 
Life Cycle: Perennial 
Growth Rate: Slow, Moderate 
Growth Habit: Upright, Open, Irregular, Woody 
Bloom Season: Spring 
Sunlight Requirements: Part-Shade, Full-Part 
Soil Texture: Sand, Loam 
Soil pH: Acidic, Slightly Acidic 
Moisture Requirements: Average, Dry 
Tolerance to Salt Spray: Low/None 
Recommended Landscape Uses:
Specimen shrub for woodland gardens, pine understories, and naturalistic landscapes. Works well along woodland edges, under open tree canopies, or planted in small groupings where its vivid spring blooms can stand out. Ideal for native shade gardens and restoration plantings in upland sites.
Maintenance Tips:
Plant in well-drained acidic soils rich in organic matter. Avoid lime or alkaline soils. Mulch with pine bark or leaf litter to maintain soil acidity and moisture. Prune lightly only after flowering if shaping is needed.
Considerations:
Like most azaleas, all parts of the plant contain grayanotoxins and are toxic if ingested. Avoid planting in areas exposed to salt spray or coastal winds.
Hurricane Wind Resistant: No 
Erosion Control: No 
Nitrogen Fixing: No 
Edible: Toxic 
Pet Safe: No 
Deer and Rabbit Resistance: No 
Historical Medicinal Uses (if applicable):
No well-documented traditional medicinal uses. Most native azaleas were historically avoided due to toxicity.
Florida Native Companion Plant (matching growing conditions):
Vaccinium arboreum (Sparkleberry), Callicarpa americana (American Beautyberry), Ilex glabra (Gallberry), Chamaecrista fasciculata (Partridge Pea)
Wildlife Benefit: Pollinators, Birds 
Caterpillar Host Plant: Supports several moth species in the genus Datana and other native Lepidoptera associated with azaleas