Difference between revisions of "Azalea" - New World Encyclopedia

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Revision as of 16:00, 10 December 2007

Retrieved September 27, 2007.

Azalea
Rhododendron 'Hinodegiri'
Rhododendron 'Hinodegiri'
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Ericales
Family: Ericaceae
Genus: Rhododendron
Subgenus: Pentanthera
and
Tsutsusi
Species

see text


Source: The Rhododendron page, and some research.

Azaleas are flowering shrubs making up part of the genus Rhododendron. Originally azaleas were classed as a different genus of plant, but now they are recognized as two of the eight sub-genera of rhododendrons - subgenus Pentanthera (deciduous), and subgenus Titsushi (evergreen).

Differences

One of the major differences between azaleas and the rest of the rhododendron family is their size. Another is their flower growth. Rhododendrons grow their flowers in stripes, while most azaleas have terminal blooms (one flower per flower stem). However, they have so many stems that during the flowering season they are a solid mass of color. Azaleas are recognized by these flowers blooming all at once, in a showy display for a month or two in spring. The exception to this rule is a small group of azaleas which grow their flowers in tight terminal clusters.

An azalea flower close up

The Satsuki azalea group, derived from Rhododendron indicum and related species, are very popular.

A traditional alcoholic beverage made from azalea blossoms, called dugyeonju (두견주, literally "azalea wine"), is produced in Korea.[1]

Cultivation

Plant enthusiasts have created azaleas for hundreds of years. This human genetic modification has produced over 10,000 different cultivars which are propagated by cuttings. Azalea seeds can also be collected and germinated.

File:Azalea1.jpg
Azaleas in bloom

Azaleas grow best in well-drained soil or in plant pots in a cool, shady position. Fertilizer is optional, although some species do need regular pruning.

Several commercial nurseries in Semmes, Alabama, a suburb of Mobile, are major national suppliers of azaleas in the U.S.

Azalea Festivals

Fifty year old Azalea

Many cities in the United States have festivals in the spring celebrating the blooms of the azalea, including Wilmington, North Carolina[2], Norfolk, Virginia[3], Valdosta, Georgia[4], Palatka, Florida[5], Pickens, South Carolina[6], Muskogee, Oklahoma[7], South Gate, California[8] and Mobile, Alabama.

A close up of a red azalea flower

Japan

Motoyama, Kochi also has a flower festival in which the blooming of Tsutsushi is celebrated.

See also

List of azalea diseases Retrieved September 24, 2007.

Notes

  1. [1], Korea's tradition, Retrieved September 27, 2007.
  2. [2], North Carolina Azalea Festival, Retrieved September 27, 2007.
  3. [3], Norfolk's International Azalea Festival, Retrieved September 27, 2007.
  4. [4], Azalea Festival 2008, Retrieved September 27, 2007.
  5. [5], Florida Azalea Festival, Retrieved September 27, 2007.
  6. [6], PICKENS AZALEA FESTIVAL, Retrieved September 27, 2007.
  7. [7], City of Muskogee, OK, Retrieved September 27, 2007.
  8. [8], Azalea Festival, Retrieved September 27, 2007.

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