The Beauty of the Flame Azalea
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The following two images are taken near Roan Mountain at Engine Gap and
Jane Bald. The photographs should be easily recognized by those who frequent the area
since these two native azaleas are well known, not only for their distinctive
qualities but also for their settings.
The contrast of the brilliant colors of R. calendulaceum
against the Blue Ridge Mountains in this region makes the display
very spectacular.
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Compact Yellow near Engine Gap
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"Molten Lava" near Jane Bald
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Variations in Flower Color
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The flowers of R. calendulaceum range from yellow, yellowish-orange,
orange, to red or scarlet with an orange blotch. Some forms may open
as yellow or orange, and will then deepen in color as they age to
orangre-red or even scarlet.
The terminal inflorescence can contain 5 to 8 flowers, with the
individual corolla varying from 2.5-4 cm. long, to 3-5 cm. across.
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Orange near Engine Gap
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Red near Wayah Bald
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Compact Yelow near Engine Gap
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"Molten Lava" at Jane Bald
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Distinguishing Characteristics
- The flowers open along with the leaves, or shortly thereafter.
- The corolla is openly funnel shaped, and the tube is about the
same length as the width of the petals, or slightly shorter.
- The flowers have a prominant blotch but they are not fragrant.
- The undersides of the leaves are pubescent, but not waxy white.
- The plant is tetraploid, thus having twice the number of
chromosomes as most native azalea species.
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Plant Habit
This species is usually a well branched deciduous shrub, upright, with
spreading branches about 1.5 to 3 meters high.
In open woodlands, the plant can occasionally reach 4 meters or more,
but is more open and arching.
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Natural Bloom Time
This species can have quite a variation in bloom time. On Roan Mountain,
for instance, clones of R. calendulaceum can start blooming in early
June, while others may not open until July. Peak bloom in that region
is usually around June 21st, the longest day of the year.
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