I find deciduous azaleas completely irresistible, although I don’t have the right conditions to grow them. They are now lumped in with the extended rhododendron family, but are unrivalled for the brightness and abundance of their flowers which emerge before the leaves. What really does it for me is the sweet scent of the flowers. When mingled with damp moss and pine needles the smell sums up the great woodland gardens of England and Scotland. Pictures all taken last week in the Brentry Woodland (names given where labelled) at the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Hampshire. Don’t take my word for it – go now to see and smell them in all their glory!
Rhododendron (Azalea) ‘Fireball’
Rhododendron (Azalea) ‘Klondike’
Rhododendron (Azalea) ‘Northern Highlights’
Rhododendron (Azalea) ‘Freya’
Rhododendron (Azalea) ‘Il Tasso’
For a superior selection of deciduous azaleas, visit Millais Nurseries
Categories: Large Gardens, Trees and Shrubs
I second this – They are to me the most overwhelming flowers we grow – except that a good rose can add subtext that they can’t… 😉
You are fortunate to have the right soil – I never seem to end up anywhere that has the right conditions to grow my own. Roses are very hard to beat, although perhaps azaleas attract slightly fewer bugs and blights?
Gorgeous plants causing additional entries for my bucket list of plants I ‘need.’ 🙂