Southern Sunset Aromi Azalea

Rhododendron aromi hybrid ‘Southern Sunset’

Plant Details

USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 6a-9b Find Your Zone

Plant Type: Deciduous Flowering Shrub or Small Tree

Height at Maturity: 6-8′

Width at Maturity: 4-6′

Flower Color: Pink with White and a splash of Gold

Flower Size: 2-3″ in large rounded clusters

Flowering Period: Early to Mid-Spring

Flower Type: Single, Trumpet-shape, in clusters

Fragrant Flowers: Yes!

Foliage Color: Medium Green

Fragrant Foliage: No

Berries: No

Berry Color: NA

Sun Needs: Part to Mostly Shade, Dappled Shade, Morning Sun with Afternoon Shade, All Day Filtered Sun, Full Sun (See Cultural Preferences below)

Water Needs: Average, Lower when established

Soil Type: Clay (amended), Loam, Sand (amended), Silt

Soil Moisture / Drainage: Well Drained Moist

Soil pH: 4.5 – 6.5 (Acid to Slightly Acid)

Maintenance / Care: Low

Attracts: Visual Attention

Resistances: Heat, Humidity, Insect, Shade

Description

With some of the prettiest flowers on any deciduous rhododendron, the Southern Sunset Azalea is a rare Aromi hybrid that produces abundant clusters of deep pink buds that open to multicolor flowers with frilly-edged pink petals, a white stripe down the center of each petal, and a splash of golden-yellow on the top petal. The rounded clusters come in early spring perched atop the ends of every stem. Heat and humidity tolerance, vigor, fragrance, and unique color all come together for an absolutely stunning color display and delicious aroma in the spring garden!

Southern Sunset is one of many Aromi Hybrid deciduous rhododendron selections developed by Dr. Aromi. In hopes that they might be enjoyed throughout a much broader range of the US, and especially for the hot and humid climate of the South, Dr. Aromi used native species as well as hybrids in breeding to develop this heat tolerant series with the same if not improved colors, vigor, and fragrance of our native deciduous azalea species. Though the Aromi’s are cross hybrids and technically not “full-blooded” North American natives, to keep things simple we list them in our Native Azalea category.

Landscape & Garden Uses

Growing 8 to 12 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide, the Southern Sunset Aromi Azalea is ideal for use as a specimen or in groupings in woodland borders or other areas of the landscape that provide moist but well-drained soils rich in organic matter. Suitable for growing in containers. A fine selection for fragrance gardens, Azalea gardens, woodland gardens, yellow theme gardens, and cottage gardens.

Spacing: We do not suggest planting this beauty as a hedge however, if a hedge is desired space at around 5 feet apart; 10 feet or more apart for space between plants

Growing Preferences

The Southern Sunset Azalea is very easy to grow in moist but well-drained soil of average to high fertility. Spring Fanfare performs well in full sun in the northern USDA Zones where it grows but will appreciate some shade or filtered sun in the afternoon in the deep South. Some suggest full sun tolerance throughout the zones where it is listed hardy, however, we always like to play it safe so as mentioned a break from direct afternoon sun in hotter climates. Once established plants are quite drought tolerant, requiring supplemental water only during prolonged periods of dry summer weather. Native azaleas are very low-maintenance, requiring little if any pruning. That said, occasionally we might prune a stray branch that is spoiling the natural form of the plant.

Helpful Articles

Click on the link below to find helpful advice from our experts on how to plant, prune fertilize and water native azaleas.

How To Plant & Care For Native Azaleas

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