Rhododendron austrinum

Rhododendron austrinum, also known as the Florida azalea, is a deciduous botanical species that offers a spectacular and fragrant flowering of golden yellow blooms. The bush grows quite large but remains dense. In early or mid-spring, it is covered with large clusters of yellow flowers tinted with red at the base. They bloom at the same time as the leaves appear. The flowers emit a delightful honeysuckle fragrance. This species is also appreciated for its beautiful autumn colours. Originally from Florida, it is perfectly adapted to hot climates and is resistant to drought. However, it does not thrive in cool and rainy summer climates. Plant it in partial shade, near the house or a passageway to enjoy its fragrance. Although hardy, its flowers can be sensitive to spring frosts.

Rhododendrons belong to the Ericaceae family, just like heathers. In most cases, they prefer soils with an acidic tendency, devoid of limestone. They also like moist soils that are rich in humus. Rhododendron austrinum is native to Florida and southern Georgia in the United States. It is characterised by an upright habit. It spreads slowly and reaches an average height of 1.7m (6ft) with a span of 1.4m (5ft) at maturity in our climates, under favourable growing conditions. Flowering takes place in April or May. The foliage unfolds at the same time as clusters of 10 to 24 funnel-shaped flowers with narrow tubes appear at the ends of the branches. Each flower measures 3 to 4cm (1 to 2in) long and 4 to 5cm (2in) in diameter. They emit a powerful fragrance reminiscent of honeysuckle and attract numerous pollinating insects. The brown-coloured branches bear deciduous, elliptical, slightly villous leaves. Their colour varies from spring acid green to deep summer green, before ending in shades of orange, yellow, and bronze in autumn. This bush likes partial shade and moist, humus-bearing, and well-aerated soils with a pH between 4.5 and 6.5.

It is hardy down to -18°C (-0.4°F). It can be planted en masse in borders, in hedges, or grown in large containers. Plant it alongside other acid-loving plants, or with beautiful evergreen shrubs. Consider planting it with strawberry trees, autumn camellias, and Japanese maples with green or purple foliage. It can also be planted as a standalone plant in a small garden. Try to plant it near the house to enjoy its beautiful fragrance.

All parts of the plant are toxic.