Showy and fragrant, native azaleasalso called deciduous azaleasbring beauty and grace to any yard.
Evergreenazaleasare so ubiquitous in Southern gardens that no one could blame you for thinking they evolved here.
Still, you’d be wrong.
Florida flame azalea.Credit: Steve Bender
They hail from Japan and Korea and first appeared in the U.S. around 1800.
Native azaleas (aka deciduous azaleas) were here all along.
Long stamens and sweet fragrance earn them the nickname, “wild honeysuckle.”
Native Alabama azalea offers fragrant, white blooms in spring.Credit: Steve Bender
The flowers of some native azaleas are highly fragrant.
It’s hardy inUSDA Zones 6 to 9.
Its highly fragrant, sweet-spicy blossoms are white with yellow blotches.
Piedmont Azalea.Credit: Steve Bender
Grow it inUSDA Zones 7 to 9.
It suckers to form clumps (but not invasive ones) up to 10 feet tall.
Flowers vary from pink to white to rose.
Pinxterbloom azalea.Credit: Getty Images
It does well inUSDA Zones 5 to 9.
Its native range is far more Northern, extending from North Carolina up to Massachusetts and Ohio.
It’s smaller and slower growing, reaching about 3 to 4 feet.
Sweet azalea.Credit: skymoon13/Getty
Finally, its white, pink, or lavender flowers are even more fragrant.
Try this one inUSDA Zones 4 to 8.
In your garden, though, expect half of that.
Native to the Appalachians from Pennsylvania to Alabama, it bears intensely sweet white blossoms with prominent red stamens.
It’s well-suited toUSDA Zones 4 to 7.
Native Azaleas or Wild Honeysuckle?
But it isn’t honeysuckle and that’s a very good thing.
Ours bloomed pink, but white and lavender forms occur.
FAQs
Where can I buy native azaleas?
In addition to being illegal in many states, wild gathered plants often don’t survive.
Instead, look for nursery-grown plants at local garden centers or online.
Independent garden centers that carry a wide variety of native plants are your best bet.
Plant sales at botanical gardens are another useful source.
That’s where mine came from.
How do I plant native azaleas?
Start by picking the perfect spot.
Plant in part sun or light shade.
If the shade is too dark, flowering will be sparse to nonexistent.
Nursery-bought plants come withfertilizeradded, so don’t add any more.
Spring and fall are thebest times to plantnative azaleas.
How do I grow native azaleas?
Here are a few key tips for taking care of your native azalea:
