General Information
•Status in Florida: Florida-Friendly (Hybrid of native and non-native species)
•Native Habitat: Not applicable (cultivar developed through hybridization)
•Native States: Not native; hybrid developed in Alabama
•Growing Zones: USDA Zones 6a–9b
•Size at Maturity: 6–8 feet tall, 4–6 feet wide
•Phenology: Deciduous
•Life Cycle: Perennial
•Growth Rate: Moderate
•Growth Habit: Compact, upright
•Bloom Season: Early to mid-spring
•Bloom Color: Golden yellow to orange-red with a deep yellow blotch
Growth Conditions
•Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to filtered shade
•Soil Texture: Humus-rich, loamy, well-drained soils
•Soil pH: Acidic to slightly acidic
•Moisture Requirements: Moderate; requires regular watering
•Tolerance to Salt Spray: Low
•Keystone Plant: No
Landscape Considerations
•Recommended Landscape Uses: Specimen plant, borders, hedges, woodland edges, naturalized areas
•Maintenance Tips: Prune after flowering to maintain shape; mulch to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature
•Considerations: Highly fragrant blooms; attracts pollinators; may require protection from deer
•Hurricane Wind Resistant: No
•Erosion Control: No
•Nitrogen Fixing: No
Other Information
•Edible: No
•Pet Safe: Caution (azaleas can be toxic if ingested)
•Deer and Rabbit Resistance: Often damaged by deer
•Historical Medicinal Uses: None documented
•Florida Native Companion Plant: Not applicable (hybrid cultivar)
•Wildlife Benefit: Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
•Caterpillar Host Plant: No
•Propagation: Cuttings
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Special Notes on ‘Dancing Rabbit’ Cultivar:
•Developed by Dr. Eugene Aromi in Mobile, Alabama, ‘Dancing Rabbit’ is a hybrid between Rhododendron ‘Appalachian Gold’ and Rhododendron ‘Goldstrike’
•Noted for its exceptionally fragrant, golden yellow to orange-red blooms that emerge in early to mid-spring
•The plant exhibits a compact, upright growth habit, making it suitable for various landscape applications
•Demonstrates good heat and humidity tolerance, making it well-suited for gardens in the southeastern United States