Identifying Piedmont Azalea: A Deciduous Native Shrub

A woody shrub with light-pink, honeysuckle-like flower clusters that loses its leaves in winter matches the native Piedmont azalea (Rhododendron canescens). Unlike evergreen Asian azaleas, native species are deciduous and can reach small-tree proportions.

They bloom on old wood, so prune only right after flowering—no later than mid-June for early bloomers. Georgia hosts at least eight deciduous azalea species blooming from April into August. The Georgia Native Plant Society is a great resource for more information.