flame azalea

The flame azalea requires regular watering during the growing season and substantially less at other times. Water the flame azalea every 7-14 days during the growing season of spring and summer with approximately 2 inches of water applied each time. During fall and winter months, reduce watering to once every 3-4 weeks, providing only a light watering to prevent soil from completely drying out. Avoid over-watering as this can cause the roots to rot and the plant to die.

Flame Azalea (Rhododendron calendulaceum) requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. In cooler climates, flame azalea can take more direct sunlight and require 6-8 hours a day. In warmer areas, however, up to 4 hours of indirect, dappled sunlight in the mornings, and up to 2 hours of direct sunlight is recommended. Additionally, wherever the species is grown, the afternoon/early evening hours should provide some shade to reduce water loss through transpiration and help protect the species from leaf burn.

Flame azaleas should be pruned between late winter and early spring, when the plant is dormant. Pruning should be minimal, as this plant species doesn’t require much pruning. If necessary, prune lightly to maintain a more compact shape and to remove dead or damaged branches. Make sure not to remove more than 1/4 of the plant’s overall growth in any 1 season.