Pontic or Pontica Azalea

A deciduous azalea native to eastern Europe, from the Caucasus region to northeastern Lithuania and Poland, reaching 4 feet tall and spreading to 8 feet wide. Yellow tubular flowers about 1½ inches across with a darker blotch, the 5 stamens extending beyond the petals, fragrant, in clusters of about 12 blooms. A parent of most yellow deciduous azalea hybrids.

Hardy in Zone 4a-8b. Part shade on acidic, well-drained soil. Slow growth. The foundation species behind virtually all yellow and orange deciduous azalea hybrid lines, including the Knap Hill-Exbury and Ghent groups. Fragrant flowers. Twenty-one diseases and 15 pests documented at the genus level. All parts contain grayanotoxins and are toxic if ingested.