

'Millie Mac' Rhododendron
Rhododendron austrinum ‘Millie Mac’
| 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
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Wild‑selected in Escambia County, Alabama—a true Southern discovery
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Reddish‑orange buds open to fragrant yellow blooms edged in white
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Deciduous native azalea: blooms early spring before foliage emerges
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Foliage turns red in autumn, adding seasonal interest
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Hardy in USDA Zones 5a–9b, combining cold‑hardiness and heat tolerance
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Excellent for woodland and native gardens: prefers moist, well‑drained, acidic soils in dappled shade
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Fragrant flowers attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and pollinators
Pickup available at Aiken Nursery
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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
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.
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.
What payment methods can I use?
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.