| Native Plant Spotlight:
Decidous Azaleas
 Native the southeast and eastern woodlands of the United States, decidous azaleas put on a spectacular show each spring of fragrant, trumpet blooms in stunning shades of yellow, orange, pink and red. The unusual colors and intensely fragrant blooms not found in the common evergreen azaleas make native azaleas deserving of wider use in landscapes.
Native decidous azaleas are members of the Ericaceae, or heather, family, along with evergreen azaleas, rhododendrons and blueberries. Plant in acidic, well-drained, organically enriched soil. Avoid cultivating around native azaleas in order not to disturb their shallow root systems; a layer of mulch provides added protection. These azaleas thrive in the filtered shade of trees or partial sun and can tolerate full sun if watered properly. They will not bloom well in full shade. Prune immediately after flowering if needed. Native azaleas will grace your garden with late winter and early spring, fragrant blooms in shades of yellow, pink, orange and red as well as orange-red to maroon fall foliage.
The following are our favorite native azaleas worth discovering:
Confederate Series
Dodd and Dodd Nursery in Semmes, Alabama developed these hybrids from 'Exbury' and Florida azalea (Rhododendron austrinum). The Confederate series azaleas are heat and drought tolerant and sport larger blooms than other native azaleas. Blooms open in March or April, before the foliage appears.
'Admiral Semmes' Yellow blooms
'Colonel Mosby' Deep pink blooms that fade to pale pink with a
yellow blotch
'Robert E. Lee' Red blooms
'Stonewall Jackson' Orange blooms
Alabama Azalea (Rhododendron alabamense)
Native to north central Alabama. Compact growth habit; 5 to 8 feet. Fragrant white blooms with yellow blotch in mid to late April.
Cumberland Azalea (Rhododendron bakeri)
Native to the Appalachian mountains. 4 to 8 feet with horizontal branching. Yellow-orange to red blooms in May.
Florida Flame Azalea (Rhododendron austrinum)
Native to the Gulf Coast. Loose, multi-stemmed growth habit to 8 to 10 feet. Fragrant blooms April to May in shades of yellow, cream orange or red.
Piedmont Azalea (Rhododendron canescens)
Also called Florida Pinxter or Hoary Azalea. 10 to 15 feet. Fragrant white, pink and rose blooms March to mid-April.
Plumleaf Azalea (Rhododendron prunifolium)
8 to 10 feet. Orange-red to red blooms July to August.
Swamp Azalea (Rhododendron viscosum)
Variable growth habit from 1 to 8 feet. White to pale pink blooms mid-May to June.
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Valentine's Day is Sunday, February 14th! This year give blooms that will last: Choose from our gorgeous selection of french hydrangeas, daffodils, hyacinths, tulips and primrose. We make it easy to find the perfect gift for your valentine with our selection of charming mixed baskets, or let us help you add bright blooms to your own container! Make your sweetheart's day with a gift from Collier's!
