Family
Ericaceae
Botanical Name
Rhododendron 'Admiral Semmes'
Plant Common Name
Admiral Semmes Deciduous Azalea, Deciduous Azalea
Special Notice
This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.
General Description
The deciduous azalea ‘Admiral Semmes’ is a hybrid between an Exbury-Knap Hill hybrid azalea ‘Hotspur Yellow’ and the native Florida azalea, Rhododendron austrinum. It has brilliant yellow, fragrant blooms, an upright habit and is heat-tolerant and mildew-resistant. Rhododendron 'Admiral Semmes' was a Georgia Gold Medal winners in 2007 as the year's best shrub.
This azalea has an upright, rounded habit. The leaves are lustrous dark green and hairy and exhibit showy fall color in shades of orange and bronze. The colorful tubular-funnel-shaped flowers appear before the foliage in clusters near the ends of the branches. Buds develop in the summer for flowers the following spring, so prune them shortly after blooming.
Azaleas prefer sites with partial shade and highly organic, acid soil that is evenly moist but well-drained. Plant them shallowly and mulch well to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. They prefer locations with warm summers, cool winters and do require some winter cold for good growth.
The azalea ‘Admiral Semmes’ is popular for woodland gardens, shaded beds and borders.
Characteristics
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USDA Hardiness Zone
5 - 9
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Sunset Zone
3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17
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Plant Type
Shrub
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Sun Exposure
Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
4'-5' / 1.2m - 1.5m
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Width
4'-5' / 1.2m - 1.5m
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Bloom Time
Spring, Late Spring
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Native To
Hybrid Origin
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Upright/Erect
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Yellow, Gold
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Orange, Bronze
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Bark Color
Brown
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
