Native Native Azaleas Native azaleas, often called bush honeysuckle, are as beautiful as many varieties brought into the state. Many have unusual yellow to orange and orange-red flowers, such as the Florida azalea. Most of them are either native to Alabama or will grow well in most areas of the state.
Native azaleas lose their leaves in winter.
The individual florets are trumpet shaped and usually borne in large terminal clusters. Identification of native azaleas is difficult because of the similarities between species. Natural hybridization has complicated the matter by producing many intermediate forms with unusual flower colors. You may need to ask for these varieties by their scientific names to be sure you get the right plant. They are native to north and west Florida, southwest Georgia, south Alabama, and southeast Mississippi.