Spring is officially here, and with its arrival we can finally enjoy the multitude of blooming plants that usher in the growing season. Among the most popular are azaleas, a mainstay of landscapes across our region.
Though azaleas are some of the area’s most prevalent and dependable spring bloomers, most azalea species in gardens here are native to east Asia. A wonderful group of azaleas native to the United States deserve a place in your garden as well.
Azaleas are part of the genus Rhododendron, in the family Ericaceae, or the blueberry family. They are further divided into evergreen and deciduous varieties. All of the azaleas native to North America are deciduous; most of their non-native relatives frequently seen planted in our area are of the evergreen variety.
One of the biggest draws of native azaleas is that many have fragrant blooms, which isn’t something for which the evergreen azaleas are known. Moreover, because native azaleas evolved here, they are well suited to our climate, with its mild winters and hot, humid summers. This also means that when planted in the correct location, native azaleas require less care and maintenance. Perhaps the most important factor of all is how much more the native species benefit local wildlife, providing food for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and more.
Like most members of the blueberry family, azaleas appreciate well-drained, acidic soils. Additionally, most of our native azaleas prefer moist soil high in organic matter but do not like having “wet feet.” They do well in light shade and should be watered consistently until established, since most are not drought tolerant.
Nearly 20 species of azalea are native to the U.S. Here are some of the best to grow in our area.
Alabama azalea (Rhododendron alabamense) has white flowers with a lemon-yellow blotch and one of the strongest fragrances of our native azaleas, a distinct lemony scent. It tolerates the heat and humidity of our summers, and soils drier than other azaleas will accept.
Florida flame azalea (Rhododendron austrinum) is one of the showiest of our native azaleas, with highly fragrant early spring blooms ranging from orange to yellow and often with touches of red. With its strong tolerance for heat and humidity, this native azalea is one of the easiest to grow. There are many great cultivars available in addition to the straight species, including Apricot, Don’s Variegated, Moonbeam and Super Truss Pink.
Piedmont azalea (Rhododendron canescens) is the most abundant native azalea, with fragrant pink-white flowers emerging in early spring before the leaves have expanded. Some great cultivars include Apple Blossom and Phlox Pink.
Swamp azalea (Rhododendron viscosum) is a Coastal Virginia native with fragrant white blooms in early summer, later than most other azaleas. Although it cannot be planted in standing water, it can tolerate more moisture than other azaleas.
Some other native azaleas great for our area include the sweet azalea (Rhododendron arborescens), the coastal azalea (Rhododendron atlanticum), the Oconee azalea (Rhododendron flammeum), the Pinxterbloom azalea (Rhododendron periclymenoides), and the plumleaf azalea (Rhododendron prunifolium).
Wild Green Yonder is a regular feature by the staff of Norfolk Botanical Garden, where Andrew Earehart is a horticulturist and native-azalea enthusiast.
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Spring plant sale
Native azaleas will be featured in the Norfolk Botanical Garden’s annual in-person spring sale. Horticulturist Andrew Earehart and other staff will be there.
When: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 26 (members only) and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 27 and 28
Where: Norfolk Botanical Garden, 6700 Azalea Garden Road. Parking is limited because of construction; reserve parking space and admission online.
Tickets: Plant sale included with garden admission (adults, $17.95)
Details: Including plant list, tinyurl.com/NBGspring2024
