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DCI - N. Charleston, SC (Azalea Pl.) dciinc.org | AOC - Community Events - 2008 Azalea Trail Run alortho.com | Senior Links and Resources by Azalea Manor Assisted Living, Senior... azalea-manor.com |
For other uses, see Azalea (disambiguation).
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 subgenera of rhododendrons - Pentanthera (deciduous) and Tsutsuji (evergreen). Azaleas bloom in spring, their flowers dying only a few weeks later. They do not need as much sun as other plants; they live near trees and sometimes under them. Azalea is also the flower of the astrology symbol Sagittarius.[citation needed]
[edit] Differences One major difference between azaleas and the rest of the rhododendron genus is their size. Another is their flower growth; rhododendrons grow their flowers in stripers,[clarification needed] 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 colour. Azaleas are recognised 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.  The Satsuki azalea group, derived from Rhododendron indicum and related species, are very popular. A traditional alcoholic beverage made from azalea blossoms, called Tugyonju (literally "azalea grape wine"), is produced in Korea.[1] Azalea plants are very toxic to sheep and goats, but cause no problems in cats or dogs. [edit] 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. Azaleas grow best in well-drained soil or in plant pots in a cool, shady position. They are easily damaged by excessive soil moisture and grow best in acidic soil (4.5 - 6.0 pH).[2] 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. [edit] DiseaseAzalea leafy gall can be particularly destructive to azalea leaves during the early spring. Hand picking infected leaves is the recommended method of control. Information on azalea leaf gall can be found on Cornell University's Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic web site. Azalea Leaf Gall Fact Sheet [edit] Cultural significance and symbolismIn Chinese culture, the azalea is known as "thinking of home bush" (xiangsi shu) and is immortalized in the poetry of Tu Fu and is used to rich effect in contemporary stories such as "A Sea of Blood-red Azaleas," in the collection Taipei People by the Taiwanese author Bai Xianyong. Also, Mobile, Alabama houses the Azalea Trail Maids. These 50 girls chosen by interview process serve as ambassadors to the city while wearing antebellum dresses. The azalea is also one of the symbols of the city of São Paulo, in Brazil.[3] [edit] Azalea festivals  [edit] United StatesMany cities in the United States have festivals in the spring celebrating the blooms of the azalea, including Wilmington, North Carolina (North Carolina Azalea Festival);[4] Norfolk, Virginia;[5] Valdosta, Georgia;[6] Palatka, Florida;[7] Charleston, Missouri also features an annual festival which incorporates both azaleas and [dogwood] trees. The small town recently celebrated its 40th festival.[8] Pickens, South Carolina;[9] Muskogee, Oklahoma;[10] South Gate, California;[11] Mobile, Alabama; and Dothan, Alabama.[12] Tyler, Texas features an eight mile azalea trail in the spring that has been featured in several magazines.[13]; Nacogdoches Texas boasts the largest Azalea Garden in Texas as well as over 20 miles of trails through manicured residential districts, during its two week long festival in March and early April http://www.nacogdochesazaleas.com/ The United States also has an Azalea society called Azalea Society of America. [edit] JapanMotoyama, Kochi also has a flower festival in which the blooming of Tsutsuji is celebrated and Tatebayashi, Gunma is famous for its Azalea Hill Park, Tsutsuji-ga-oka. [edit] See also[edit] References
[edit] External links
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