First Native Rhododendron Blooms

Rhododendron Flammeum

We have a new winner for the earliest blooming native Rhododendron, Oconee Azalea (Rhododendron Flammeum). The usual winner, year after year, is the pink to white Piedmont Azalea (Rhododendron canescens). This year, it was a virtual tie.

Why this year? We had a cold spell in mid February which set back the Piedmont azaleas. Then we had a warm March which brought the Oconee azaleas on fast. Another factor could be the placement of this particular Oconee azalea. It’s very sheltered from the north by a large Camellia, and from the east by our brick oven. To the northwest is our tall house. There could hardly be a location better than that.

Time for a close up:

The color is not quite as red as the picture, but it is pretty close. Our other Oconees, which are about to bloom, are more orange and yellow than this one. However, as red is my favorite color, this blooming first gets Spring off with a bang.