'Millie Mac' Rhododendron

Rhododendron austrinum ‘Millie Mac’

$42.00
New
Low Stock

| Hardiness Zones 5-9

In the soft damp hollows of Escambia County, Alabama, a native flame azalea was discovered that seemed to hold two forms of beauty in one breath. Named ‘Millie Mac’, this wild selection presents a curious marriage of deep orange‑red buds that open in early spring into pale yellow blooms trimmed in crisp white, as if nature had applied a quiet halo around each petal’s edge. The flowers arrive before the leaves, floating in clusters atop bare branches like lanterns in the cooling woods.

‘Millie Mac’ is born of the same lineage as Rhododendron austrinum, the Florida flame azalea. Yet its subtle white margins betray the likely influence of R. canescens, blending robust southern flame with soft elegance—a cross that emerged by wild chance in southern Alabama and was preserved for its singular charm. The result is a fragrant, early‑blooming shrub whose scent evokes honeysuckle and honeyed woodlands.

In the garden, this selection displays medium‑green foliage that turns rich reddish in autumn, adding another chapter of quiet brilliance when most native azaleas have faded. Hardy from USDA Zones 5 through 9, it tolerates both southern heat and mid‑Atlantic cold, adapting graciously to dappled shade and well‑drained, humus‑rich soil.

To plant ‘Millie Mac’ is to invite a story of place and passage—the forest’s bloom, the border of color, the fragrance that speaks of wild hills at spring’s edge.

Photos courtesy of In Defense of Plants.


Highlights at a Glance

  • Wild‑selected in Escambia County, Alabama—a true Southern discovery

  • Reddish‑orange buds open to fragrant yellow blooms edged in white

  • Deciduous native azalea: blooms early spring before foliage emerges

  • Foliage turns red in autumn, adding seasonal interest

  • Hardy in USDA Zones 5a–9b, combining cold‑hardiness and heat tolerance

  • Excellent for woodland and native gardens: prefers moist, well‑drained, acidic soils in dappled shade

  • Fragrant flowers attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and pollinators

Size: 3 Gallon

Pickup available at Aiken Nursery

Usually ready in 2-4 days

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Grown for Success
Propagated at Woodlanders

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Shipping
Expertly packed & shipped in 2-4 biz days

Plant Specs
  • Zones: 5 - 9
  • Sun: Part Shade
  • Soil: Well-drained, Moist, and Acid
  • Height at Maturity: 6 - 10 Feet
  • Spread at Maturity: 5 - 6 Feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate

Deciduous

Flower/Foliage

Care Info

Read full care instruction manual here.

Gentle Garden Wisdom: Caring for ‘Millie Mac’

  • Choose a sheltered woodland spot with filtered light and cool leaf-litter soil.
  • Upon planting, use a rich, organic amended soil, water deeply, and mulch generously.
  • In the first year, keep the soil evenly moist; afterward, allow it to rest lightly during dry spells.
  • Fertilize sparingly in early spring only; skip late-season feeding.
  • Prune lightly after bloom, and never let mulch pile against the stem.
Size: 3 Gallon

Here’s a closer look at how we produce our plants:

From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.

The majority of our plants are carefully cultivated from rooted cuttings, while we also utilize propagation methods such as seed, air layering, and grafting, thoughtfully chosen to suit each plant’s unique needs.

Our plants are cultivated using sustainable practices, including organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management, ensuring they thrive while minimizing environmental impact.

We are proud to contribute to local biodiversity through ongoing donations to the Aiken Arboretum and support for local wildlife conservation efforts, helping to preserve and enhance our community’s natural ecosystems.

Grown in Aiken, South Carolina

At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.

All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.

Learn more about Woodlanders here.

Plant Success Tip #1

Unpack Promptly

Carefully unpack your plant as soon as it arrives. Check the roots and soil to ensure they are still moist. If the roots feel dry, lightly mist or water them before proceeding with planting or temporary storage.

Plant Success Tip #2

Acclimate Your Plant

Allow your plant to adjust to its new environment by placing it in a sheltered spot for a day or two before planting, especially if it has traveled a long distance. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures right away.

Plant Success Tip #3

Follow Planting and Care Instructions

Plant your new arrival as soon as possible, following the specific care guidelines provided. If planting outdoors isn’t immediately possible, temporarily pot it in well-draining soil to maintain health until conditions are suitable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to expect upon delivery

All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.

Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.

What is your return policy?

Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.

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We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.

Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?

At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.

Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.