Flower of March: Azalea is a Sea of Color

Azalea is a welcome sign of spring in so many parts of the world, and based on the beautiful colors this shrub has brought to North Florida, we can confirm that spring has sprung!  Azalea, with varieties both technically deciduous and evergreen, is the star of the show in the month of March.  Seas of color are visible in shades of red, pink, purple, white, and more.

The blooms of azalea, a shrub that is considered part of the rhododendron family, last for weeks at a time.  These flowers are shade tolerant and they especially love being planted near or under trees.  Popular as a garden plant for hundreds of years, azalea has at this point approximately 10,000 different cultivars!

It is possible to propagate azalea by both cutting and seeds. Native to Europe, North America, and Asia, the fertilizer needs of azalea are low and most respond very well to pruning.

The plant is slow growing and likes acidic soil, and all parts of it are highly poisonous.  There are many spring festivals and events that celebrate the azalea.

Would you like a landscape design full of brightly blossoming azaleas? 

Enjoying the Flower of Month series?  Check out our other blog posts for standout flowers:

Flower of November: Chrysanthemum

Flower of December: Christmas Cactus

Flower of January: Camellia

Flower of February: Bougainvillea


🦚Article by Connie Helena, author of The Green Orchid 🦚