Rhododendron 'Sunrise'

'Aromi Sunrise' is a deciduous azalea from the storied breeding program of Dr. Eugene Aromi, the University of South Alabama professor who spent decades teaching heat-shy azaleas to flourish along the Gulf Coast. Introduced in 1987, this hybrid marries the bold Knap Hill azalea 'Hiawatha' with the native Florida azalea, Rhododendron austrinum, so the plant inherits both the size and clarity of the English strains and the toughness and fragrance of a southern wildflower. The result is exactly what Aromi chased across more than a thousand crosses: a large-flowered, sweet-scented, heat-tolerant azalea for gardens where the classic mountain sorts fail.

In mid spring the shrub comes alive with a glowing display. Tubular, funnel-shaped flowers open two inches across, their brilliant yellow petals lit by a vivid orange-yellow blotch and finished with gently wavy edges that catch the light. As many as fourteen blooms crowd each flat truss, and a soft fragrance drifts from them that draws in bees, butterflies, and passing gardeners alike. Elliptic, olive-green leaves follow, softly downy beneath, giving the plant a quiet presence through summer before autumn closes the season.

The name reads like the flower looks. That first flush of yellow shot with orange has the quality of daybreak, and 'Aromi Sunrise' honors both the breeder and the moment. The genus name Rhododendron is Greek for rose tree, while azalea comes from azaleos, meaning dry, an old reference to the open, well-drained woods where native species grow. Those same native azaleas have scented Southern springs for generations, though country lore has always known to admire and not to taste: like all Rhododendron, the leaves and nectar hold grayanotoxins and are not edible.

'Aromi Sunrise' belongs at the woodland edge, in a dappled border, or among high pines where morning sun can ignite the trusses and afternoon shade can spare the foliage. Reaching perhaps four to six feet with an informal, softly spreading frame, the shrub layers beautifully with ferns, native phlox, foamflower, and other deciduous azaleas timed to extend the bloom. Plant in moist, acidic, well-drained soil, mulch the shallow roots, and give the plant room to be seen when the flowers open. Photos courtesy of Mike Creech and Bob Stelloh.