The color for today is yellow.
Above is an impressive specimen of the Florida Flame Azalea (Rhododendron austrinum) that is estimated to be somewhere between 15 to 18 feet tall. Its native range is southern Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and northern Florida. Despite its Deep South home, it is hardy all the way into USDA hardiness zone 6a.
This plant is just off of the northern side of our deck, which is about twelve feet tall above the patio below. It is good couple to five feet above that level, which is the basis for the estimated height. I planted it around twenty years ago.
Unlike many native azaleas, these are reliable bloomers year after year–none of that one year on, one year off behavior. It only needs a little supplementary water every summer in order to be happy. And when it is happy, every Spring you will be happy as well.
Southern Fusion Cooking 