Rhododendron calendulaceum, the flame azalea, is a species of Rhododendron native to the Appalachian Mountains in the eastern United States. It is a deciduous shrub, 120–450 cm tall. The leaves are 3–7 cm long, dull green above and villous below.
Flame azalea is appropriately named for the clusters of brightly colored, 2-inch blooms that decorate the shrub from late spring to midsummer. The funnel-shaped flowers range in color from yellow to orange and deep red. The foliage often turns red or soft yellow before leaves drop from the plant in late autumn. Flame azalea is a versatile shrub that is stunning in almost any setting. The showy shrub is especially dramatic when several are planted together, but be sure to allow at least 4 to 6 feet between each plant.
